# NTSB SEA05LA087: Ercoupe 415-C, N2256H, Roseburg, OR, April 22, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 22, 2005, 16:45 local (23:45 UTC) - Place: Roseburg, OR - Coordinates: 43.224723, -123.396942 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.2247&lon=-123.3969&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 13, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 61369 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA05LA087 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/61369/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA087 ## Probable cause Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. High vegetation was a factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot-rated passenger (aircraft owner) reported that he did not hold a current medical certificate, therefore the private pilot in the right seat who was current was acting as pilot-in-command, however, the aircraft owner was at the controls at the time of the takeoff. The pilot/owner reported that the pre-flight check and start-up were normal. A magneto check with 1,800 rpm noted that the right magneto dropped about 75 rpm and the left magneto dropped about 100 rpm, which he reported as normal. At the time of takeoff, the aircraft attained an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level, when the engine began to gradually lose power, "like someone pulled the throttle or the throttle linkage broke." The pilot/owner initiated a forced landing to a grape vineyard. During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a nose gear collapse, the firewall was damaged as well as the leading edge of the wings. The engine was inspected then prepared for an engine run. The engine was found to start right up and a magneto check was accomplished finding that the left magneto produced a 300 rpm drop. The magnetos were then placed on a test bench. Both magnetos produced a spark from all towers up to 3,000 rpm. The ignition harness test found no anomalies. No evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction was found with the engine. ## Factual narrative On April 22, 2005, about 1645 Pacific daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N2256H, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from George Felt Airport, Roseburg, Oregon. During the off airport landing to a grape vineyard, the aircraft was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. Neither the private pilot-in-command nor his pilot-rated passenger were injured. The pilot-rated passenger (aircraft owner) reported that he did not hold a current medical certificate, therefore the private pilot in the right seat who was current was acting as pilot-in-command, however, he was at the controls at the time of the takeoff. The pilot/owner reported that the pre-flight check and start-up were normal. A magneto check with 1,800 rpm noted that the right magneto dropped about 75 rpm and the left magneto dropped about 100 rpm, which he reported as normal. At the time of takeoff, the aircraft attained an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level, when the engine began to gradually lose power, "like someone pulled the throttle or the throttle linkage broke." The pilot/owner initiated a forced landing to a grape vineyard. During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a nose gear collapse, the firewall was damaged as well as the leading edge of the wings. On 4/26/05, an Inspection Authorization Airframe and Powerplant mechanic inspected the airframe and reported that the firewall was damaged as well as the nose gear fork was pulled out. The leading edge of the wings were dented to include damage to wing ribs and the fuel tank. The mechanic also inspected the engine and reported that a compression check was accomplished. The mechanic found that the 3# cylinder would only hold 35/80 psi, and there appeared to be an exhaust valve leak. The other cylinders were in the high 60's to 70's psi. The carburetor heat box was damaged from impact. The quick drain was cleaned off and fuel was present. Fuel was present in the fuel tanks and header tank. All spark plugs displayed normal operating signatures. On 4/27/05, the same mechanic prepared the engine for a test run. The engine was primed and started right up. The engine was warmed up for a few minutes at idle power and then run-up to about 1200 rpm. Oil pressure was good. The engine was started and stopped a few times, and then a magneto check was accomplished. The mechanic reported that the right magneto had a slight rpm drop, while the left magneto had a 300 rpm drop. The mechanic then shut the engine down and inspected the ignition harness and the top plugs. All looked ok. The mechanic removed both magnetos and associated ignition harness and sent them to the National Transportation Safety Board Northwest Regional Office, Seattle, Washington. On 5/6/05, both Magnetos were hand carried by the NTSB IIC to Galvin Flying Service Maintenance Accessory Shop, Seattle, Washington. Both Eisemann Model LA-4 magnetos and associated ignition harnesses were visually inspected and prepared for a test-stand functional test. Both magnetos produced strong spark from all towers up to 3,000 rpm with no mis-fire. The harnesses were then tested using a high tension lead tester with no defects noted. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2256H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2256H), registered now, S/N 2881 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 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: 2881 - Airframe hours: 1683 - Engines: Continental C-85-12 85 hp reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Clyde E. Lloyd - Registered owner: Leroy D. LeBleu - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 18, 2004, 31 hours before - Departed: Roseburg, OR - Airport: 5S1, George Felt Airport, runway 28, 2,300 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 67; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review October 1, 2004; seat: right; flight hours: 236 total, 13 in this make and model, 14 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 29.76 inHg - Observed at: RBG, 2 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 20050422007289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050422007289A), Apr 22, 2005: Univar 415C, Roseburg, OR, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft departed george felt field (5S1) near Roseburg, OR. Aircraft lost power after take off. Aircraft made an emergency landing in a vineyard. Pilot… 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.