# NTSB LAX91LA051: Ercoupe 415-C, N3080H, Madera, CA, December 9, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1990, 13:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Madera, CA
- Coordinates: 36.910312, -120.190521 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9103&lon=-120.1905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27074
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA051
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27074/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA051

## Probable cause

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A PLUGGED VENT LINE, AFFECTING THE ABILITY OF THE SYSTEM TO TRANSFER FUEL TO THE MAIN TANK.

## 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
  - fuel system,vent - blocked(total) (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A ENGINEERING RESEARCH 415-C AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE DURING CRUISE. THE PILOT STATED HE NOTICED THE FUEL SIGHT GAUGE ON THE FUSELAGE FUEL TANK GOING DOWN MORE RAPIDLY THAN NORMAL. AT THIS TIME HE STARTED DOWN TO LAND AT MADERA, CALIFORNIA; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE QUIT AND HE WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE AIRPORT. INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED A PLUGGED VENT LINE ON THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. THERE WAS AN UNQUANTIFIED AMOUNT OF FUEL REMAINING IN THE LEFT FUEL TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3080H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3080H-2017-07-21), registration cancelled 2017-07-21, S/N 3705, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-C
- Registry model: [Engineering & Research 415-C](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-415-c) (registry code 0420302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3705
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Fritscher, Grant C.
- Departed: 045, VACAVILLE, CA
- Destination: L45, BAKERSFIELD, CA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 850 total, 850 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- 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 19901209053239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901209053239A), Dec 9, 1990: Univar 415C, Madera, CA, Substantial damage. Struck trees on forced landing after power loss. Nose fuel tank empty. Right fuel tank vent plugged.

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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