# NTSB CHI82DA275: Ercoupe 415C, N3247H, Port Sheldon Tw, MI, July 26, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 26, 1982, 10:43 local (14:43 UTC)
- Place: Port Sheldon Tw, MI
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72294
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA275
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72294/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA275

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - haze/smoke (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

DURING A VFR FLIGHT ALONG LAKE MICHIGAN SHORELINE THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED A DECREASE IN CEILING HEIGHT. THE PILOT CHOSE TO MAKE A 180 DEGREES MANEUVER AND RETURN TO THE AIRPORT BUT DURING THE TURN ENCOUNTERED A FOG BANK. THE PILOT DECENDED TO AVOID THE FOG BANK AND INADVERTENTLY CRASHED INTO THE LAKE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3247H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3247H-1982-10-08), registration cancelled 1982-10-08, S/N 3872, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ERCOUPE 415C
- Registry model: [Ercoupe 415-C](https://openairdocs.org/model/ercoupe-415-c) (registry code 0420322) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3872
- Airframe hours: 1200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William J. Gras
- Registered owner: William J. Gras
- Departed: HLM, PORT SHELDON TW, MI
- Destination: INTERLOCHEN, MI
- Airport: HLM, Park Township

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 276 total, 268 in this make and model, 229 as pilot in command, 64 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 13,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 171 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKG, 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 19820726031479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820726031479A), Jul 26, 1982: Univar 415C, Port Sheldon Tw, MI, Destroyed. Proceeded VFR into fog bank. Became disoriented during a 180 degree turn and crashed into lake near shore.

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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