# NTSB FTW90LA187: Ercoupe 415-C, N3673H, Greers Ferry, AR, September 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1990, 16:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Greers Ferry, AR
- Coordinates: 35.559871, -92.199913 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5599&lon=-92.1999&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23184
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA187
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23184/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA187

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO PENETRATE ADVERSE WEATHER AND THE RESULTANT SPATIAL DISORIENTATION. FACTORS WERE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF INSTRUMENT TRAINING/EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - flight into known adverse weather - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE 325 HOUR STUDENT PILOT, WHO HAD DEPARTED FROM THE SITE OF AN ERCOUPE FLY-IN, ENCOUNTERED IMC APPROXIMATELY 170 NM EAST NORTHEAST OF THE DEPARTURE POINT. A WITNESS HEARD THE AIRPLANE MANEUVERING AT LOW LEVEL FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. THE WITNESS HEARD WHAT WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE AIRPLANE ENTERING A DIVE, FOLLOWED BY SILENCE. POST IMPACT FIRE OCCURRED. WEATHER AT THE SITE WAS 200 FEET OVERCAST WITH VISIBILITY OF 2/10 MILE IN FOG AND DRIZZLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3673H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3673H-1991-04-29), registration cancelled 1991-04-29, S/N 4298 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4298
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-75-12 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Doolin, Gary E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE, PAGE, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 325 total, 305 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: 200 ft overcast
- 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 19900930043219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900930043219A), Sep 30, 1990: Univar 415C, Greers Ferry, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Lost control in area of low ceiling and visibility.

## Other investigations on N3673H (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 MKC86LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA066), Mar 9, 1986: Ercoupe 415-C (N3673H), Versailles, MO, 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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