# NTSB SEA86FA231: Ercoupe 415C, N3002H, Prosser, WA, August 30, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1986, 10:14 local (17:14 UTC)
- Place: Prosser, WA
- Coordinates: 46.119602, -119.679656 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.1196&lon=-119.6797&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40301
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86FA231
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40301/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86FA231

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - wing,wingtip - previous damage (cause)
  - wing,wing rib - cracked (cause)
  - maintenance,major repair - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - wing,spar - overload (cause)
  - wing - failure,total (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - aircraft handling - not possible, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PRACTICING FLY-BYS FOR THE NEXT DAYS AIRSHOW. THE LEFT WING SUSTAINED AN INFLIGHT STRUCTURAL FAILURE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED A PROGRESSIVE CRACK IN THE #7 RIB EMANATING FROM PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO THE LEADING EDGE OF THE LEFT WING TIP. THIS RESULTED THE INFLIGHT STRUCTURAL OVERLOAD OF THE MAIN SPAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3002H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3002H-2014-09-29), registration cancelled 2014-09-29, S/N 3627, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415C
- Registry model: [Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-C](https://openairdocs.org/model/engineering-research-ercoupe-415-c) (registry code 0420312) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3627
- Airframe hours: 2002
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John D. Rising
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 16, 1986, 9 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 300 total, 50 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: YKM, 36 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 19860830043109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860830043109A), Aug 30, 1986: Univar 415C, Prosser, WA, Destroyed. The left wingtip separated in flight and the aircraft impacted the ground. Improper repair of wing spar splice.

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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