# NTSB CHI85FA059: Ercoupe 415-C, N2047H, Wixom, MI, November 25, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 25, 1984, 16:55 local (21:55 UTC)
- Place: Wixom, MI
- Coordinates: 42.779914, -82.929 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7799&lon=-82.9290&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12813
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85FA059
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12813/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA059

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - impairment(alcohol), pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - haze/smoke (contributing factor)
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural detection, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH FOR A LANDING. THE PASSENGER RELATED THAT THE SUN WAS VERY LOW ON THE HORIZON, AND WHILE LOOKING TOWARD THE SUN & HAZE, THE VISIBILITY WAS LIMITED. AS THE ACFT TURNED ON FINAL APPROACH, A LARGE FLOCK OF BIRDS FLEW IN FRONT THE PLANE. THE PLT DOVE THE ACFT TO MISS THE BIRDS & THE PASSENGER FELT THIS MANEUVER PUT THE ACFT LOW ON FINAL APPROACH. HE STATED THAT NEITHER HE NOR THE PLT SAW THE POWER LINES UNTIL JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT. A TOXICOLOGICAL EXAM OF THE PLT'S BLOOD SHOWED A BLOOD/ALCOHOL LEVEL OF 0.109%.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2047H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2047H-2002-12-04), registration cancelled 2002-12-04, S/N 2670, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-C
- Registry model: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-C](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-ercoupe-415-c) (registry code 0420312) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2670
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles A. Lukkari
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 2, 1984
- Departed: 1G4
- Airport: Spencer Memorial, runway 18, 2,640 × 110 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 339 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 190° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PTK, 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 19841125062969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841125062969A), Nov 25, 1984: Univar 415C, Wixom, MI, Destroyed. Ducked under birds, low on final, hit powerlines. Pilot intoxicated by alcohol, cannabinoids in urine.

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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