# NTSB ATL87LA090: Ercoupe 415-D, N99436, Cottondale, AL, March 22, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 22, 1987, 16:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Cottondale, AL
- Coordinates: 33.159564, -87.360511 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1596&lon=-87.3605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7391
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA090
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7391/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA090

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - terrain condition - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PLT PERFORMED A TOUCH-AND-GO AFTER TAKEOFF. DURING THE TAKEOFF PHASE OF THE TOUCH-AND-GO, THE ACFT ENG QUIT. THE ACFT WAS FORCE LANDED IN TREE. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION FAILED TO REVEAL ANY FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N99436](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N99436-2013-05-31), registration cancelled 2013-05-31, S/N 2059, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-D
- Registry model: [Engineering & Research 415-D](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-415-d) (registry code 0420306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2059
- Airframe hours: 1650
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David C.Higley
- Registered owner: David C. Higley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 19, 1986
- Airport: Rainey Field, runway 8, 2,300 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 162 total, 133 in this make and model, 133 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TCI, 10 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870322007259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870322007259A), Mar 22, 1987: Univar 415D, Cottondale, AL, Substantial damage. The engine failed and the aircraft hit the ground. Water in fuel. No STC for auto gas.

## Other investigations on N99436 (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB NYC81FNE31](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC81FNE31), Sep 12, 1981: Erco 415-D (N99436), Danbury, CT, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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