# NTSB ERA13LA007: Ercoupe 415-C, N93606, Parkersburg, WV, October 4, 2012 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 4, 2012, 12:55 local (16:55 UTC) - Place: Parkersburg, WV - Coordinates: 39.344722, -81.439163 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3447&lon=-81.4392&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 12, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA / FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 85255 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA13LA007 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/85255/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=85255 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA007 ## Probable cause The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: landing flare](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Ercoupe 415-C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041/cases.md?model=0420322), [All aircraft, 1,285 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062041/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Ercoupe 415-C, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0420322), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092) (defining event); cases with it: [Ercoupe 415-C, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?model=0420322), [All aircraft, 2,102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Part(s) separation from AC](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338); cases with it: [Ercoupe 415-C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md?model=0420322), [All aircraft, 563 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/338/sequence.md) ## Analysis The first leg of the student pilot's planned solo cross-country flight was uneventful until he attempted to land at his destination airport. During the flare, as the airplane began to settle, he reduced power and the airplane "dropped," touched down on the main landing gear, then the nose landing gear, and then "hopped." The airplane then touched down again and traveled about 50 feet before the nosewheel separated, and the airplane slid to a stop. Examination of the airplane revealed that the two halves of the nosewheel assembly had separated from each other and multiple fractures existed in both halves. Further examination of the airplane also revealed that the firewall and fuselage had incurred substantial damage. The airplane was manufactured in 1946, and the pilot stated that he believed that the nosewheel assembly might have failed due to fatigue during the landing. However, examination of the nosewheel assembly by the NTSB's Materials Laboratory revealed that the damage was consistent with an overload event. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On October 4, 2012, about 1255 eastern daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N93606, was substantially damaged during landing, at Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (PKB), Parkersburg, West Virginia. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the solo cross country instructional flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, which departed Fairmont Municipal Airport (4G7), Fairmont, West Virginia. According to the student pilot, the first leg of his solo cross country flight was uneventful until he attempted to land on runway 21 at PKB. During the flare, as the airplane began to settle, he reduced power and the airplane "dropped". It touched down on the main landing gear, then the nose landing gear and then "hopped". The airplane then "came back down", touched down again, rolled about 50 feet and the nose wheel separated from the nose landing gear. The airplane then slid to a stop, on the nose landing gear wheel fork. PERSONNEL INFORMATION According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the student pilot was issued a student pilot certificate with third-class medical on February 14, 2012. On April 30, 2012 the pilot received an endorsement to solo the Ercoupe 415-C, and on July 2, 2012, received an endorsement to make solo cross country flights. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION According to FAA and airplane maintenance records, the airplane was manufactured in 1946. The airplane’s most recent annual inspection was completed on March 14, 2012 and at the time of the inspection; the airplane had accrued 1,391 total hours of operation. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The reported weather at PKB at 1253, included: winds from 230 degrees at 5 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 10,000 feet, temperature 23 degrees C, dew point 13 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.20 inches of mercury. AIRPORT INFORMATION According to the Airport Facility Directory, PKB was controlled and had two runways oriented in a 03/21 and 10/28 configuration. Runway 21 was asphalt, grooved, and in good condition. It was 7,240 feet long and 150 feet wide. The threshold was displaced by 460 feet. The runway gradient was 0.7 percent and the runway was marked with precision markings. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that both halves of the two piece nose wheel assembly had separated from each other and multiple fractures existed in both halves. Further examination of the airplane also revealed that the firewall and fuselage had incurred substantial damage. TESTS AND RESEARCH The pilot did not report any mechanical problems prior to the landing but, he advised that due to the age of the airplane, the nose wheel assembly may have failed due to fatigue. Examination of the nose wheel assembly by the NTSB's Materials Laboratory revealed however, that the damage was consistent with a hard landing, astwo of the three mounting holes in the outer rim were cracked, the fracture faces on the wheel rims revealed rough grainy surfaces, and the bearing inner race surface was dimpled, displayed mechanical damage, and deformation of the bearing cage, seal, and retainer. The locknuts were also ineffective and relatively old, and could be removed from the wheel bolts without the aid of tools. Only slight resistance could be felt as the bolt entered the locking portion of the locknut. The exterior surface of the locknuts was also corroded, and the locking portion of the locknuts displayed a full form thread similar to the metal threads. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N93606](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N93606), registered now, S/N 929, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ERCOUPE 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: 929 - Airframe hours: 1391 - Engines: CONT MOTOR C-75-12 75 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 14, 2012 - Departed: 4G7, Fairmont, WV - Destination: PKB, Parkersburg, WV - Airport: PKB, Mid-Ohio Valley Regional, runway 21, 7,240 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Student pilot; age 73; injuries: none; student; medical: sport pilot; seat: left; flight hours: 20 total, 20 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 230° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.20 inHg - Observed at: PKB ## 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 20121004023139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20121004023139A), Oct 4, 2012: Ercoupe 415-C, Parkersburg, WV, Substantial damage. The student pilot, conducting a solo cross country flight, stated that he encountered a gust of wind prior to touching down on runway 3 and landed hard causing… ## Other investigations on N93606 (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 ERA15CA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA317), Aug 14, 2015: Ercoupe 415 C (N93606), Fairmont, WV, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and his exceedance of the wing's critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with terrain. ## Docket (15 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 11, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=85255. 27.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 452 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396322&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Interview (item 2, .PDF, 49 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396320&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Interview-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (KPKB METARS) (item 3, .PDF, 71 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396323&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records%20(KPKB%20METARS)-Master.PDF - Excerpts from Ercoupe Parts Catalog (Nose Wheel Assembly) (item 4, .PDF, 293 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396324&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20from%20Ercoupe%20Parts%20Catalog%20(Nose%20Wheel%20Assembly)-Master.PDF - Materials Laboratory Examination (item 5, .PDF, 60 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396325&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Materials%20Laboratory%20Examination-Master.PDF - Parts Return (Evidence Control Form) (item 6, .PDF, 140 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396340&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Parts%20Return%20(Evidence%20Control%20Form)-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1: Main Wreckage - Courtesy of FAA (item 7, .PDF, 3.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396330&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20Main%20Wreckage%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF - Photo 2: Left Forward Fuselage and Firewall Damage - Courtesy of FAA (item 8, .PDF, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396331&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20Left%20Forward%20Fuselage%20and%20Firewall%20Damage%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF - Photo 3: Right Forward Fuselage and Firewall Damage - Courtesy of FAA (item 9, .PDF, 2.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396332&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%3A%20Right%20Forward%20Fuselage%20and%20Firewall%20Damage%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF - Photo 4: Nose Wheel Assembly Showing Missing Nosewheel - Courtesy of FAA (item 10, .PDF, 3.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396333&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%3A%20Nose%20Wheel%20Assembly%20Showing%20Missing%20Nosewheel%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF - Photo 5: Nose Wheel - Courtesy of FAA (item 11, .PDF, 4.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396334&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205%3A%20Nose%20Wheel%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF - Photo 6: Damaged Nose Wheel Components (item 12, .PDF, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396335&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%206%3A%20Damaged%20Nose%20Wheel%20Components-Master.PDF - Photo 7: Damaged Rim Assembly (item 13, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396337&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%207%3A%20Damaged%20Rim%20Assembly-Master.PDF - Photo 8: Bolts, Nuts, and Damaged Hub Assembly (item 14, .PDF, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396338&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%208%3A%20Bolts,%20Nuts,%20and%20Damaged%20Hub%20Assembly-Master.PDF - Photo 9: Worn Out Fiber Lock Nut (item 15, .PDF, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396339&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%209%3A%20Worn%20Out%20Fiber%20Lock%20Nut-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.