# NTSB LAX86LA266: Ercoupe 415-C, N3220H, Planada, CA, June 23, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 23, 1986, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Planada, CA
- Coordinates: 37.32088, -120.299415 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3209&lon=-120.2994&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): 25194
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA266
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25194/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA266

## 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
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THE ENG COUGHED DURING CRUISE FLT AT AN ALT OF 2000 FT AGL. HE APPLIED CARBURETOR HEAT AND THE ENG COUGHED AGAIN AND LOST POWER. THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A PLOWED FIELD. THE LANDING GEAR DUG INTO THE TERRAIN AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT AND ENG FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY FAILURE/MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3220H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3220H-2019-05-08), registration cancelled 2019-05-08, S/N 3845, 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 A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3845
- Airframe hours: 2304
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-75-12 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: William Buie
- Registered owner: Shelly Cecil W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 18, 1986, 1 hours before
- Departed: 061, CAMERON PARK, CA
- Destination: CGZ, CASA GRANDE, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,042 total, 25 in this make and model, 993 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCE, 10 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 19860623026449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860623026449A), Jun 23, 1986: Univar 415CD, Planada, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit. Nosed over landing in a plowed field. No defects found. Possible carburetor icing.

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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