# NTSB FTW83LA206: Ercoupe 415-C, N87131, Prague, OK, April 16, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 16, 1983, 14:12 local (20:12 UTC)
- Place: Prague, OK
- Coordinates: 35.480911, -96.690025 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4809&lon=-96.6900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20878
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA206
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20878/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA206

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed, company/operator management (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER PURCHASING THE ACFT, THE NEW OWNER (A STUDENT PLT) HAD ASKED HIS UNCLE (REPORTEDLY AN EXPERIENCED PLT) TO FLY HIS ACFT HOME. DURING THE FLT, THE ENG LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER THE PLT LEVELED OFF AT 4000 FT MSL (APRX 3000 FT AGL). THERE WAS NO SUITABLE LANDING AREA, SO THE PLT STALLED THE ACFT INTO THE TOPS OF THE TREES. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH WATER. SPRING LOADED VALVES IN THE FUEL PUMP EFFECTIVELY TRAPPED THE WATER IN THE PUMP AFTER THE ENG STOPPED RUNNING. A FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE ACFT WAS OVERDUE FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTION & NO FERRY PERMIT HAD BEEN ISSUED. ALTHOUGH THE PLT HAD REPORTEDLY BEEN FLYING FOR MANY YEARS, HE POSSESSED NO FAA PLT OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N87131](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N87131-2013-03-07), registration cancelled 2013-03-07, S/N 304, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-C
- Registry model: [Ercoupe 415-C](https://openairdocs.org/model/ercoupe-415-c) (registry code 0420322) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 304
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-75-12 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Jerry Wilson
- Registered owner: Roger W. Anderson
- Destination: GLE, GAINESVILLE, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## Other investigations on N87131 (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 MKC66F0019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC66F0019), Jun 3, 1965: Ercoupe 415C (N87131), Wellington, 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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