# NTSB NYC85FA222: Ercoupe 415-C, N3064H, Carlisle, PA, August 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1985, 18:40 local (22:40 UTC)
- Place: Carlisle, PA
- Coordinates: 40.429195, -77.420753 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4292&lon=-77.4208&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35579
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85FA222
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35579/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FA222

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system - contamination
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - impairment(drugs), pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - ground
  - emergency procedure - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - impairment(drugs), pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE SECOND TAKEOFF ATTEMPT FROM A PVT GRASS STRIP WITNESSES HEARD THE ENG SPUTTER THEN QUIT SOON AFTER LIFTOFF. THE ACFT THEN DESCENDED TO GROUND IMPACT AND BURNED. THE ACFT HAD NOT BEEN FLOWN ADN WAS KEPT OUT OF DOORS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS WHILE THE FABRIC WINGS WERE REFINISHED. THIS WAS THE FIRST FLT OF THE ACFT SINCE THE REFINISHING WAS COMPLETED. INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED THE PRESENCE OF WATER AND SLUDGE THROUGHOUT THE ACFT FUEL SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3064H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3064H-2012-09-25), registration cancelled 2012-09-25, S/N 3689, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-C
- Registry model: [Engineering & Research 415-CD](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-415-cd) (registry code 0420304) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3689
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard D. Nale
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: CARLIISLE, PA
- Airport: Deitch, runway 30, 1,200 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 300 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HAR, 10 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 19850827077489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850827077489A), Aug 27, 1985: Univar 415C, Carlisle, PA, Destroyed. Engine failed shortly after takeoff. Aircraft impacted terrain. Water and sludge found in carburetor and gascolator.

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.