# NTSB LAX87LA283: Ercoupe 415-C, N2716H, Galt, CA, July 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 25, 1987, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Galt, CA
- Coordinates: 38.269481, -121.220977 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2695&lon=-121.2210&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 8, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25651
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA283
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25651/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA283

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - building(nonresidential) (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - rotation - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - supervision - poor, check pilot (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL ON A 2000 FT PRIVATE RUNWAY, AT THE POINT TO ROTATE, THE PLT APPLIED BACK PRESSURE, HOWEVER, THE AIRCRAFT DID NOT RESPOND. APRX THREE QUARTERS OF THE WAY DOWN THE RWY THE PLT REALIZED THAT THE ACFT WAS NOT LIFTING OFF AND HE REDUCED PWR AND APPLIED BRAKES. THE ACFT DID NOT STOP IN TIME BEFORE COLLIDING WITH A BUILDING AT THE END OF THE RWY. INVESTIGATION OF THE ACFT ENGINE AND CONTROL SYSTEMS REVEALED NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2716H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2716H-2017-07-19), registration cancelled 2017-07-19, S/N 3341, 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: 3341
- Airframe hours: 997
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-75-12 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Faller, Otto J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 24, 1987
- Airport: 9Q3, Vetters, runway 27, 2,100 ×  ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,100 total, 950 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAC, 30 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 19870725076569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870725076569A), Jul 25, 1987: Univar 415C, Galt, CA, Substantial damage. During first checkout flight pilot failed to rotate during takeoff roll. Aborted late. Ran off runway hit building.

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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