# NTSB CHI93LA186: Ercoupe 415C, N37139, Derby, KS, May 31, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1993, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Derby, KS
- Coordinates: 37.5396, -97.250419 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5396&lon=-97.2504&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15723
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA186
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15723/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA186

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S MISJUDGED APPROACH TO LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - planned approach - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - crop
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command
- Nose over, other

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED AFTER A BRIEF LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT HE RETURNED TO LAND AT THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. HE STATED: 'ON SHORT FINAL THE LANDING GEAR CONTACTED WHEAT IN THE FIELD IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRPLANE SETTLED INTO THE WHEAT AND PITCHED OVER ONTO ITS BACK APPROXIMATELY 30 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37139](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N37139), registered now, S/N 106, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415C
- Registry model: [Ercoupe 415-C](https://openairdocs.org/model/ercoupe-415-c) (registry code 0420322) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 106
- Airframe hours: 1678
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Rains, Cecil R.
- Registered owner: Rains, Cecil R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 17, 1993, 6 hours before
- Airport: 1K3, Hamilton Field, runway 35, 2,600 × 30 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 654 total, 184 in this make and model, 617 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19930531015469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930531015469A), May 31, 1993: Univar 415C, Derby, KS, Substantial damage. On short final wheels caught tall wheat. Nosed over short of runway.

## Other investigations on N37139 (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 MKC69F0223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC69F0223), Oct 28, 1968: Ercoupe 415-C (N37139), South Haven, KS, 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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