# NTSB LAX93LA362: Ercoupe 415-C, N93321, Twentynine Palm, CA, September 21, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 21, 1993, 02:00 local (09:00 UTC)
- Place: Twentynine Palm, CA
- Coordinates: 34.229145, -116.059936 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2291&lon=-116.0599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 27, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28483
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA362
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28483/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA362

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S ATTEMTED TAKEOFF FROM A TAXIWAY DUE TO ALCOHOLIC IMPAIRMENT. THE NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION WAS A FACTOR.

## 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
  - light condition - bright night (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - impairment(alcohol), pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD LANDED TO DEPLANE A PASSENGER. HE THEN ATTEMPTED TO TAKE OFF FROM A TAXIWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A DITCH. THE PILOT'S BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL WAS 0.10%.

## Factual narrative

On September 21, 1993, at 0200 hours Pacific daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N93321, collided with a ditch during the takeoff roll from the west taxiway at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Twentynine Palms, California.  The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules personal flight to Bullhead City, Arizona.  The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage.  The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated at Apple Valley Airport, Apple Valley, California, at 0005 hours.

The FAA reported the pilot landed to let his passenger, who was intoxicated, out of the plane.  The pilot, who was also intoxicated, attempted a takeoff from the west taxiway.  The airplane collided with a ditch and collapsed the landing gear, damaging the engine and wings.

The Naval hospital reported the pilot had a 0.10% blood alcohol level. Federal regulations state that a 0.04% blood alcohol level is the maximum allowed for flight and that no person may operate an aircraft within 8 hours after drinking any alcoholic beverages.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that while enroute to Bullhead City he became disoriented and made a precautionary landing at Twentynine Palms MCAS. He then stated that during the takeoff the airplane struck a mound of dirt.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N93321](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N93321-2013-05-22), registration cancelled 2013-05-22, S/N 644, 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: 644
- Airframe hours: 2055
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Drew, Keith E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1993, 62 hours before
- Departed: EAF
- Destination: PO6, BULLHEAD CITY, AZ
- Airport: EAF, Twentynine Palms Mcas

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 700 total, 490 in this make and model, 570 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F
- Observed at: EAF

## 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 19930921035929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930921035929A), Sep 21, 1993: Univar 415C, Twentynine Palm, CA, Substantial damage. Intoxicated pilot landed to disembark a intoxicated passenger. Ran off runway. Struck a dirt berm on takeoff roll.

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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