# NTSB DEN90LA111: Erco 415G, N87212, Peyton, CO, May 20, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 20, 1990, 17:55 local (23:55 UTC)
- Place: Peyton, CO
- Coordinates: 39.029941, -104.480087 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0299&lon=-104.4801&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor; on the ground: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17931
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN90LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17931/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90LA111

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN OBSTACLE CLEARANCE DURING A LANDING.

## 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
  - object - vehicle
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing
  - terrain condition - grass

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT FLEW LOW OVER AN ADJACENT ROAD DURING FINAL APPROACH FOR A LANDING. THE PLANE STRUCK THE RIGHT FRONT ROOF OF AN AUTOMOBILE OPERATING ON THE ROAD. THE PLANE'S LEFT LANDING GEAR SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE PILOT REPORTED A LOSS OF CONTROL AFTER THE COLLISION, AND THE PLANE ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. THE PLANE LANDED HARD ON TURF, TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY. THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED, THE LEFT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND AND BROKE THE MAIN SPAR. THE PLANE CAME TO RESET NOSE DOWN, 20 YARDS LEFT AND 200 FEET DOWN THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N87212 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ERCO 415G
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 385
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Warren C. Moore
- Departed: 00V
- Destination: 00V
- Airport: 00V, Meadowlake, runway 15, 4,000 × 35 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; flight instructor, military, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 4,760 total, 30 in this make and model, 4,499 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900520016959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900520016959A), May 20, 1990: Univar 415C, Falcon, CO, Substantial damage. Struck automobile on perpendicular road that was 45 feet from threshold. Warning low aircraft signs on road.

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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