# NTSB MIA90FA168: Erco 415-C, N2436H, Huntersville, NC, August 11, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 11, 1990, 16:17 local (20:17 UTC)
- Place: Huntersville, NC
- Coordinates: 35.409511, -80.83937 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4095&lon=-80.8394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32565
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA90FA168
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32565/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90FA168

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT IN COMMAND TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)
- Fire, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS OBSERVED TO CLIMB SLOW AND SHALLOW AFTER TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE GRASS AIRSTRIP, AND CRASH INTO THE TOPS OF TREES. NO AIRFRAME, CONTROL, OR POWERPLANT FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE LEADING EDGE OF ONE WING EXHIBITED CRUSHED FROM INITIAL IMPACT INDICATIVE OF A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRPLANE DOES NOT EXHIBIT A DISTINCTIVE STALL BREAK. THERE WAS AN EXTENSIVE POST CRASH FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2436H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2436H-2012-10-18), registration cancelled 2012-10-18, S/N 3061, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ERCO 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: 3061
- Airframe hours: 1100
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-75-12 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph P. Henderson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1990, 16 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 705 total, 50 in this make and model, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CLT, 20 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 19900811033109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900811033109A), Aug 11, 1990: Univar 415C, Huntersville, NC, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Crashed into trees and burned after takeoff. No mechanical defects found.

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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