# NTSB MIA94LA147: Ercoupe 415D, N93763, Boynton Beach, FL, May 22, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 22, 1994, 18:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Boynton Beach, FL
- Coordinates: 26.50917, -80.149787 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.5092&lon=-80.1498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 7, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37550
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37550/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA147

## Probable cause

INADVERTENT USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SEPARATION OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL CABLE FROM THE CARBURETOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - mixture - inadvertent use, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - disabled (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE ON APPROACH TO LAND, HE INADVERTENTLY PULLED THE MIXTURE CONTROL INSTEAD OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT CONTROL.  AFTER REALIZING HIS MISTAKE HE PUSHED IN THE MIXTURE CONTROL BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND.  UNABLE TO LAND AT THE AIRSTRIP HE CRASHED INTO A CANAL SHORT OF THE AIRSTRIP.  EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY AN FAA AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTOR REVEALED THAT THE MIXTURE CONTROL CABLE WAS SEPARATED FROM THE MIXTURE CONTROL ARM AT THE CARBURETOR EXPLAINING THE LACK OF ENGINE RESPONSE.

## Factual narrative

On May 22, 1994, about 1800 eastern daylight time, an Engineering and Research Ercoupe 415-D, N93763, crashed into a canal while on approach to land at the Willis Gliderport, Boynton Beach, Florida, while on a 14 CFR part 91 personal flight.  Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time and no flight plan was filed.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries.  The flight originated from the Wlllis Gliderport about 5 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated that while on final approach to land he inadvertently pulled the mixture control instead of the carburetor heat control.  He realized his mistake and pushed the mixture control in but the engine did not respond.  Realizing that he would not land on the runway he initiated a turn to crash land in a canal, and during the turn the left wing collided with trees.  The airplane spun to the left and crashed into the canal. Both occupants exited the airplane and waded to the bank of the canal.

Examination of the engine by an FAA airworthiness inspector revealed that the mixture control cable was separated from the mixture control arm at the carburetor.  The bolt, washer, and nut were missing.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N93763](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N93763-2018-01-10), registration cancelled 2018-01-10, S/N 1086, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415D
- Registry model: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-D](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-ercoupe-415-d) (registry code 0420316) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1086
- Airframe hours: 1757
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Nicks, David G.
- Registered owner: W.A. Murphy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 22, 1993, 9 hours before
- Airport: 1X4, Willis Gliderport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 1,452 total, 4 in this make and model, 1,330 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PBI, 10 nm away

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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