# NTSB ERA11LA014: Engineering & Research Ercoupe 415-D, N89331, Lawrenceville, GA, October 9, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 9, 2010, 14:07 local (18:07 UTC) - Place: Lawrenceville, GA - Coordinates: 33.978054, -83.962219 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9781&lon=-83.9622&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report July 21, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Teledyne Continental Engines, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 77531 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA11LA014 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/77531/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77531 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA014 ## Probable cause Inadequate maintenance performed on the airplane, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the corrosion within the carburetor. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid condition (probable cause); cases with it: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=0420316), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Maintenance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062000): Personnel issues › Task performance · Not specified (probable cause); cases with it: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062000/cases.md?model=0420316), [All aircraft, 143 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062000/cases.md) - [Fuel system: fuel distribution](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Fatigue/wear/corrosion (probable cause); cases with it: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820/cases.md?model=0420316), [All aircraft, 141 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022820/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=0420316), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-D, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=0420316), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=0420316), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis Witnesses reported that the pilot had removed the engine cowling prior to the accident flight and was performing maintenance on the engine. They observed the airplane depart from the runway and noted that it sounded as if it was not producing full power. The airplane then oscillated, banked left, and impacted a road with the left wing down. Examination of the engine revealed the nut on the bottom of the gascolator was not safety wired and was loose, allowing air into the fuel system. Additionally, the gascolator bowl, carburetor bowl, and float needle valve were heavily rusted and corroded. The fuel line from the wing fuel tanks to the fuel pump had been blocked off with a rubber hose, making the only fuel available to the engine, the six gallons in the header tank. The pilot's son reported that prior to the accident, the pilot performed maintenance on the airplane due to a fuel problem. The pilot's son believed the problem was resolved and the pilot last flew the airplane about a week prior to the accident in the local area. According to the maintenance logbooks, the most recent inspection was completed on the airplane 10 months prior to the accident. Examination of the pilot's logbook revealed his only flight in the accident airplane was a 30-minute flight 6 days prior to the accident. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On October 9, 2010, at 1407 eastern daylight time, an Engineering and Research Corporation, Ercoupe 415-D, N89331, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground shortly after takeoff from Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Field (LZU), Lawrenceville, Georgia. The certificated private pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, witnesses reported that the airplane departed runway 25 at LZU, and sounded like it was "not producing full power." The airplane "oscillated" then banked left and struck a road with the left wing down. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine and multiengine land. His most recent third-class FAA medical certificate was issued on August 20, 2009. At that time, he reported 825 hours of total flight experience. Examination of the pilot's logbook revealed entries from October 14, 2005 to October 6, 2010. As of the final entry, the pilot had accumulated 839 hours of total flight experience. According to the logbook, he accumulated 10.6 hours of total flight experience in the year prior to the accident, and 9.3 hours in the previous 30 days. Only one flight in the accident airplane was noted, which took place on October 3, 2010 (a 30 minute flight). AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The airplane was manufactured in 1946, the pilot purchased the airplane in June 2000, and it received its airworthiness certificate from the FAA in July 2000. It was a low-wing, single-engine airplane powered by a Continental C-85-12, 85-horsepower engine. Examination of the aircraft and engine logbooks revealed the most recent annual inspection was completed on December 12, 2009, at a total time of 1960.4 hours and a tachometer time of 1828 hours. According to the pilot's son, the pilot performed maintenance on the airplane due to a fuel problem. The pilot's son believed the problem was resolved and the pilot last flew the airplane about a week prior to the accident in the local area. He believed the last fueling occurred on October 6, 2010. Witnesses reported to the FAA inspector that the pilot had removed the engine cowling prior to the accident flight and was performing maintenance on the engine. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION Weather recorded at LZU, at 1406, included wind from 310 degrees at 6 knots, 10 miles visibility, sky clear, temperature 27 degrees C, dew point 9 degrees C, and altimeter setting of 30.05 inches mercury. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the airplane's left wing impacted a road and the airplane skidded about 12 feet into an embankment. It then continued about 60 feet and came to rest under a chain link fence, in a parking lot, resting on its nose. The left wing was broken from the inboardattachments and bent slightly forward. The leading edge was compressed 36 inches from the tip, and displayed markings consistent with the initial impact with the road. The left aileron was intact and secured to the wing. The left rear spar was separated from the rear wing attachment. The right wing was twisted upward from the rear, and the right aileron was intact and secured to the wing. The wing fuel tanks were ruptured and evidence of fuel was present on the ground along the wreckage path. Fuel was also present in the main tank. The wings were placarded for auto fuel. The tail section was intact and creased from impact forces. The left rudder was bent slightly at the bottom. The nose section was crushed downward, and the left lower fuselage displayed impact damage forward of the wing spar. Examination of the cockpit area revealed the mixture control was full rich, the carburetor heat was off, and the throttle control was noted in the approximate mid-range position. The primer was in and locked. The airspeed indicator displayed 45 miles per hour (mph), the magnetic compass indicated 250 degrees, and the vertical speed indicator displayed a 400 foot-per-minute (fpm) climb. The tachometer indicated 1828 hours, which was the same as recorded on the airplane's most recent annual inspection. The engine remained attached to the fuselage, and the propeller remained attached to the engine. The propeller spinner displayed aft crushing damage to the propeller hub. The propeller blades were deflected rearward and displayed some chordwise scratching. The engine cowling was popped open at the top and the main fuel cap was missing. The airplane and engine were transported to a secure salvage facility and further examined by representatives from Continental Engines, under the supervision of an FAA inspector. The examination revealed the nut on the bottom of the gascolator was not safety wired and was loose, allowing air into the fuel system. The gascolator bowl was heavily rusted and corroded. The carburetor bowl was rusted and corroded, and the float and needle valve were so corroded that they could not be removed from the carburetor. The fuel line from the wing fuel tanks to the fuel pump had been blocked off with a rubber hose, making the only fuel available to the engine, the six gallons in the header tank. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION The Gwinnett County Office of the Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on the pilot on October 10, 2010. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Bioaeronautical Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted toxicological testing on the pilot. No drugs or alcohol were detected during the testing. TESTS AND RESEARCH A handheld Garmin GPS 396 was retained from the wreckage and sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Vehicle Recorder Laboratory for further examination. Examination of the data confirmed the airplane departed runway 25 and impacted the ground at 1407, about 1/2 mile from thedeparture end of the runway. No additional flights were captured on the unit. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A query of fixed based operators at LZU revealed no records of the pilot purchasing aviation fuel at the airport. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N89331](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N89331-2017-06-30), registration cancelled 2017-06-30, S/N 3269, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ENGINEERING & RESEARCH ERCOUPE 415-D - Registry model: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-D](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-ercoupe-415-d) (registry code 0420316) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 3269 - Airframe hours: 1828 - Engines: CONT MOTOR A&C75 SERIES 75 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Blake Timothy Q - Registered owner: Blake Timothy Q - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 12, 2009, 1,829 hours before - Departed: LZU, Lawrenceville, GA - Destination: LZU, Lawrenceville, GA - Airport: LZU, Gwinnett County Airport, runway 25, 6,000 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; injuries: fatal; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review April 26, 2009; toxicology performed; flight hours: 839 total, 0 in the last 90 days, 0 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 310° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: LZU ## 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 20101009048179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20101009048179A), Oct 9, 2010: Engineering ERCOUPE 415, Lawrenceville, GA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. On October 09, 2010 at 1500 LCL I was contacted by the roc and patched into [privacy data omitted] of Lawrenceville fire and rescue. I was advised that an… ## Other investigations on N89331 (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 CHI95LA334](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA334), Sep 28, 1995: Ercoupe 415-D (N89331), Belleville, IL, substantial damage. Probable cause: the rupture of the oil pressure line which led to oil system exhaustion, the stuck intake valves, and the powerlines. ## Docket (14 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 1, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=77531. 57.8 MB in all. - FAA Statement (item 1, .PDF, 16 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347353&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 2, .PDF, 111 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347354&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (item 3, .PDF, 8 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347356&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 4, .PDF, 159 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347357&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - GPS Plots (item 5, .PDF, 222 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347358&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=GPS%20Plots-Master.PDF - Aircraft Logbook (excerpt) (item 6, .PDF, 14.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347789&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Aircraft%20Logbook%20(excerpt)-Redacted.PDF - Engine Logbook (excerpt) (item 7, .PDF, 13.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347790&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Logbook%20(excerpt)-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Logbook (excerpt) (item 8, .PDF, 26.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347792&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Logbook%20(excerpt)-Redacted.PDF - Family Interview (item 9, .PDF, 162 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347835&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Family%20Interview-Master.PDF - Fueling Information (item 10, .PDF, 161 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40347836&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Fueling%20Information-Master.PDF - Engine Exam Report (excerpt) (item 11, .PDF, 249 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40348048&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Exam%20Report%20(excerpt)-Master.PDF - Photo 1: Airplane from front (photo courtesy of FAA) (item 12, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40348049&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20Airplane%20from%20front%20(photo%20courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 2: Airplane from front left side (photo courtesy of FAA) (item 13, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40348053&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20Airplane%20from%20front%20left%20side%20(photo%20courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 3: Airplane from left side (photo courtesy of FAA) (item 14, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40348056&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%3A%20Airplane%20from%20left%20side%20(photo%20courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.