# NTSB MIA08LA164: Ercoupe 415-C, N94339, Arcaida, FL, August 13, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 13, 2008, 14:15 local (18:15 UTC) - Place: Arcaida, FL - Coordinates: 27.206666, -81.808609 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.2067&lon=-81.8086&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report May 11, 2010 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FSDO/FAA, Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc - NTSB case key (mKey): 68695 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA08LA164 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/68695/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=68695 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08LA164 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain a proper climb rate after takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: climb rate](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Ercoupe 415-C, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035/cases.md?model=0420322), [All aircraft, 265 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062035/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Ercoupe 415-C, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=0420322), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Ercoupe 415-C, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=0420322), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis A witness observed the airplane depart toward the west from the 1,200-foot-long grass strip. During the takeoff the witness observed the airplane encounter what he believed to be a downdraft, causing it to lose altitude. The airplane seemed to reestablish the climb when it impacted an oak tree that was located about 50 feet past and 20 feet left of the runway. The airplane impacted several trees before impacting the ground inverted. The wreckage examination revealed no abnormalities or discrepancies that would have prevented the airplane and its systems from normal flight operations. The nearest weather reporting station was located 23 miles southwest from the accident location. The recorded temperature during the time of the accident was 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) and the wind was reported from 250 degrees at 13 knots. The autopsy report noted evidence of moderate to severe coronary artery disease and a prior heart attack. The toxicology results were consistent with the recent use of an anti-acid medication, available over the counter. The medication was unlikely to have adversely affected the pilot’s performance. Postmortem toxicology could not determine whether the pilot’s heart disease or the symptoms for which he was taking medication were related to the accident. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 13, 2008, at 1415 eastern daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N94339, incurred substantial damage when it collided with trees during takeoff from a private airstrip (Southern Dreams Ranch) in Arcadia, Florida. The certificated commercial pilot was killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was operated by the commercial pilot, under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. A witness stated to a DeSoto County Sheriff's Office representative that the pilot routinely flew into the property from Venice, Florida, where he was based. On the day of the accident, the witness observed the airplane depart toward the west, from the measured 1,200-foot long grass strip, which veered to the left. During the takeoff, it appeared to the witness that the airplane encountered a downdraft, causing it to lose altitude. The witness added that it looked like the pilot attempted to reestablish a climb, but was unable to clear an oak tree, which was located about 50 feet past and 20 feet left of the runway. The airplane clipped the tree at an estimated height of 30 feet above the ground, entered an uncontrolled descent while impacting several pine trees, and came to rest inverted on the ground with a section of the left wing separating from the airplane. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine land rating. He was issued a second-class medical certificate in March 04, 2005, with a limitation of must have available glasses for near vision. The pilot reported a total of 10,000 hours at the time of the last medical certificate application. The responding Federal Aviation Administration Inspector stated that a review of the pilot’s flight logbooks revealed that his last entry was April 16, 2002, with a total of 7,209 hours. The pilot’s last biennial review was on December 02, 2006. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The 1946 Ercoupe 415-C, serial number 1562, was being operated in the Light Sport Aircraft category. The airplane was powered by a Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM), O-200-A, 100-horsepower engine. Maintenance records provided by the responding FAA inspector showed that the airplane’s last annual inspection was on June 6, 2008, at a total time of 3,473 hours. A review of the airplane’s engine records by FAA and TCM personnel determined the engine had a total time of 1,885 hours since overhaul. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION The closest official weather observation was at the Charlotte County Airport, Punta Gorda, Florida, 23 miles southwest from the accident site. On August 13, 2008, at 1353, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) recorded in part, winds at 250 degrees at 13 knots; visibility, 9 statute miles; sky clear; temperature 32 degrees Celsius (C); dew point 23 degrees C; altimeter 29.95 inches of mercury. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION Examination of the main wreckage showed the airplane’s top section of the cockpit area was crushed and the windshield broken and separated. The fuselage was twisted aft of the cockpit area. The cockpit area was partially separated and ripped open. The right wing leading edge was crushed with impact damage and bent aft toward the tail section of the airplane. A section beyond the left wing spar area separated and the leading edge was observed with impact damage similar to the right wing. The engine nacelle section was crushed aft and twisted toward the left. The propeller remained attached to the engine; both propeller tips were twisted and bent. A wreckage examination was conducted by an FAA and TCM representative. There were no abnormalities or discrepancies noted that would have prevented the airplane and its systems from normal flight operations. A non-Technical Standard Order (TSO) electronic magneto (E-mag) was observed in the right magneto position of the certificated engine. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION A postmortem examination of the pilot was conducted under the authority of the Florida State Medical Examiner, Sarasota, Florida, on August 14, 2008. The cause of death for the pilot was attributed to multiple blunt force injuries. The autopsy report noted heart weight of 490 grams, "moderate to early severe atheromatous eccentric and concentric calcified stenosis” (up to 80% in the left anterior descending and right coronary arteries) and “a 1.5 x 0.7 x 1.0 cm focus of healed fibrosis of the left posterior lateral ventricular free wall midway between base and apex." The FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) conducted toxicological testing on specimens from the pilot. The tests were negative for alcohol. Ranitidine was detected in the blood and urine. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N94339](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N94339-2009-03-27), registration cancelled 2009-03-27, S/N 1562, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: ERCOUPE 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: 1562 - Airframe hours: 3474 - Engines: Teledyne Continental Motors O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 8, 2008 - Departed: NONE, Arcaida, FL - Destination: VNC, Venice, FL - Airport: N/A, Private, Southern Dreams Ranch, runway 27, 1,200 × 50 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 72; injuries: fatal; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 6, 2006; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 10,000 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 250° at 13 knots - Visibility: 9 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: PGD, 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 20080813855589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080813855589A), Aug 13, 2008: Univar 415C, Aracadia, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) On August 13, 2008 at approaximately 14195 EDT, a Ercoupe 415-C, registration number N94339, s/n 1562 owned and piloted by [privacy data omitted], was… ## Docket (14 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 22, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=68695. 5.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 9 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325566&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Reports from Local Agencies: Desoto County Sheriff's Office Report. (item 2, .PDF, 346 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325565&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Reports%20from%20Local%20Agencies%3A%20Desoto%20County%20Sheriff%27s%20Office%20Report.-Redacted.PDF - Reports from Federal Agencies: Federal Aviation Administration Inspector's Statement. (item 3, .PDF, 279 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325567&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Reports%20from%20Federal%20Agencies%3A%20Federal%20Aviation%20Administration%20Inspector%27s%20Statement.-Redacted.PDF - Miscellaneous: Record of Conversation. (item 4, .PDF, 83 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325600&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%3A%20Record%20of%20Conversation.-Redacted.PDF - Miscellaneous:Excerpts From the Airplane's Maintenance Records. (item 5, .PDF, 163 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325569&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%3AExcerpts%20From%20the%20Airplane%27s%20Maintenance%20Records.-Redacted.PDF - Reports from Parties to the Investigation: Excerpts From Engine Manufacturer Report. (item 6, .PDF, 994 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325570&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Reports%20from%20Parties%20to%20the%20Investigation%3A%20Excerpts%20From%20Engine%20Manufacturer%20Report.-Redacted.PDF - Meteorology: METAR (item 7, .PDF, 87 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325599&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Meteorology%3A%20METAR-Master.PDF - Toxicological Report (item 8, .PDF, 66 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325571&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 9, .PDF, 70 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325572&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15, Documentation. (item 10, .PDF, 80 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325573&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15,%20Documentation.-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1) View of The Grass Strip From The Departure End. Photo Provided by the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. (item 11, .PDF, 906 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325574&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201)%20View%20of%20The%20Grass%20Strip%20From%20The%20Departure%20End.%20Photo%20Provided%20by%20the%20DeSoto%20County%20Sheriff%27s%20Office.-Master.PDF - Photo 2) View of The Trees at the Departure End of the Grass Strip. Photo Provided by FAA. (item 12, .PDF, 546 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325575&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202)%20View%20of%20The%20Trees%20at%20the%20Departure%20End%20of%20the%20Grass%20Strip.%20Photo%20Provided%20by%20FAA.-Master.PDF - Photo 3) An Overall View of the Wreckage. Photo Provided by The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. (item 13, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325576&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203)%20An%20Overall%20View%20of%20the%20Wreckage.%20Photo%20Provided%20by%20The%20DeSoto%20County%20Sheriff%27s%20Office.-Master.PDF - Photo 4) View of the Wreckage. Photo Provided by The Desoto County Sheriff's Office. (item 14, .PDF, 836 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325577&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204)%20View%20of%20the%20Wreckage.%20Photo%20Provided%20by%20The%20Desoto%20County%20Sheriff%27s%20Office.-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.