# NTSB NYC91LA181: Ercoupe 415D, N980DD, Sacramento, KY, July 14, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1991, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Sacramento, KY
- Coordinates: 37.409156, -87.260025 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4092&lon=-87.2600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36965
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA181
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36965/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA181

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO CONDUCT FLIGHT WITH A KNOWN DEFICIENCY THAT ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AIRCRAFT.

## 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
  - wing,skin - previous damage (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - continued, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE EXPERIENCED ENGINE VIBRATIONS WHILE ENROUTE TO NEW ALBANY, KENTUCKY, SO HE MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD. DURING THE LANDING, THE LEFT WING WAS DAMAGED WHEN IT STRUCK CORN STALKS NEXT TO THE ROAD.  THE DAMAGE CONSISTED OF A BROKEN LANDING LIGHT LENS CAUSING A HOLE IN THE LEFT LEADING EDGE OF THE WING. THE PILOT INSPECTED THE WING AND WITHOUT REPLACING THE LENS, HE ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF.  ABOUT 50 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE AIRCRAFT MADE AN UNCOMMANDED LEFT TURN. DESPITE CORRECTIVE ACTION THE AIRCRAFT TURNED 270 DEGREES, STRUCK THE GROUND AND CARTWHEELED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N980DD](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N980DD), registered now, S/N 4010, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415D
- Registry model: [Ercoupe 415-D](https://openairdocs.org/model/ercoupe-415-d) (registry code 0420326) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4010
- Airframe hours: 1797
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-75-12 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Hall, Jr
- Registered owner: Robert Hall, Jr
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1990, 70 hours before
- Departed: M34, GILBERTSVILLE, KY
- Airport: M34, Kentucky Dam State Park

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 633 total, 230 in this make and model, 574 as pilot in command, 48 in the last 90 days, 31 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19910714027159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910714027159A), Jul 14, 1991: Univar 415D, Gilbertsville, KY, Substantial damage. Landed on road due vibration. Wing damaged by corn stalks. Took off. Uncommanded left turn. Cartwheeled on landing.

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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