# NTSB CHI91FA305: Ercoupe Ercoupe 415-D, N99283, Emmett, MI, September 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 27, 1991, 15:02 local (19:02 UTC)
- Place: Emmett, MI
- Coordinates: 42.990623, -82.759407 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9906&lon=-82.7594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14921
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91FA305
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14921/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91FA305

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S EXCEEDING THE DESIGN LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INFLIGHT BREAKUP.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - fuselage - buckled
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - wing,wingtip - overload
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A STUDENT PILOT TOOK OFF IN HIS PERSONAL AIRPLANE ON HIS SECOND FLIGHT OF THE DAY TO PRACTICE FOR A PRIVATE PILOT CHECKRIDE.  HE HAD ABOUT 120 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME, 80 IN MODEL.  ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER, WITNESSES HEARD THE ENGINE ACCELERATE.  ONE HEARD A SOUND LIKE AND EXPLOSION.  THE AIRPLANE ENTERED A STEEP SPIRAL TO GROUND IMPACT.  THE PILOT WAS THROWN FROM THE AIRPLANE.  AIRPLANE DEBRIS FELL AT DISTANCES UP TO 3000 FEET AWAY.  THE EMPENNAGE AND RIGHT WING SHOWED FAILURE UNDER POSITIVE LOAD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N99283](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N99283-2013-05-30), registration cancelled 2013-05-30, S/N 1906, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) ERCOUPE 415-D (ERCOUPE 41)
- 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: 1906
- Airframe hours: 2347
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12-F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Clute, Robert G.
- Registered owner: Clute, Robert G.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 23, 1991, 52 hours before
- Departed: PHN, PORT HURON, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 123 total, 82 in this make and model, 80 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MTC, 23 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 19910927043499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910927043499A), Sep 27, 1991: Univar 415D, Emmett, MI, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Observed spinning to ground,parts and body falling. Right wing outer section folded in flight. Empannage separated.

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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