# NTSB FTW91LA052: Monocoupe D145, N17687, Lafayette, LA, March 19, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 19, 1991, 14:25 local (20:25 UTC)
- Place: Lafayette, LA
- Coordinates: 30.210426, -92.019966 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2104&lon=-92.0200&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23312
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23312/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA052

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - rudder - inadvertent activation, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, landing - aborted
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE PILOT'S FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE RIGHT PEDAL AND ONTO THE LEFT CO-PILOT'S PEDAL AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST. THE PILOT APPLIED POWER AND THE AIRPLANE CLIMBED SLIGHTLY, ROLLED TO THE LEFT, AND DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO IMPACT THE TERRAIN NEXT TO THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OCCURRED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N17687](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N17687), registered now, S/N D-128, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Monocoupe Aircraft D145
- Registry model: [Monocoupe D145](https://openairdocs.org/model/monocoupe-d145) (registry code 9250512) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Warner SS40&50](https://openairdocs.org/engine/warner-ss40-50) (registry code 64503, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-128
- Engines: WARNER 145/50 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lloyd J. (Red) Lerille
- Registered owner: Lloyd J. (Red) Lerille
- Airport: LFT, Lafayette Regional, runway 21, 7,651 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,241 total, 1 in this make and model, 1,147 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19910319006219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910319006219A), Mar 19, 1991: Unipro MONOCOUPD145, Lafayette, LA, Substantial damage. Pilot reported his foot slipped off rudder on landing. Added power,lifted,rolled left and impacted nose first.

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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