# NTSB FTW92LA083: Ercoupe 415-C, N94063, Whitehouse, TX, March 7, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 7, 1992, 12:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Whitehouse, TX
- Coordinates: 32.219417, -95.209083 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2194&lon=-95.2091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 29, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18453
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA083
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18453/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA083

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION AND THE ENGINE POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL CONTAMINATION WITH WATER. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

## 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
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - fuel system - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A PILOT WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING STRAIGHT AHEAD. IMPACT WAS MADE WITH THE TOP OF TREES ABOUT 300 FEET SHORT OF THE INTENDED LANDING AREA. THE FAA COORDINATOR FOUND WATER AND RUST IN THE FUEL SYSTEM GASCOLATOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N94063](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N94063-1994-07-19), registration cancelled 1994-07-19, S/N 1386 (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: 1386
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ed Petty/Jerry Gardner
- Registered owner: Ed Petty/Jerry Gardner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 30, 1991
- Departed: F12, HENDERSON, TX
- Destination: TYR, TYLER, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 700 total, 50 in this make and model, 650 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TYR, 23 nm away

## 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 19920307005199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920307005199A), Mar 7, 1992: Univar 415C, Whitehouse, TX, Substantial damage. Lost power en route. Struck trees just short of field then hit a fence. Rust and water in fuel.

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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