# NTSB CHI85LA355: Ercoupe 415-C, N99666, Ashkum, IL, August 21, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 21, 1985, 07:10 local (12:10 UTC)
- Place: Ashkum, IL
- Coordinates: 40.869857, -87.950607 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8699&lon=-87.9506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13197
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA355
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13197/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA355

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

THE LEFT WING OF THE ACFT CONTACTED CROPS DURING AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF. THE PLT REPORTED LIFTOFF WAS TOO SOON AND THE ACFT VEERED LEFT CONTACTED CROPS. THE PLT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE STAYED ON RWY LONGER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N99666](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N99666), registered now, S/N 2289, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-C
- Registry model: [Ercoupe 415-C](https://openairdocs.org/model/ercoupe-415-c) (registry code 0420322) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2289
- Airframe hours: 3720
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gerald J. Lemenager
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 5, 1985, 8 hours before
- Destination: RENSSELEAR, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; student; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 13 total, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19850821039819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850821039819A), Aug 21, 1985: Univar 415C, Ashkum, IL, Substantial damage. Student pilot with passenger let aircraft drift on early liftoff. Left wing caught crops, causing crash.

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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