# NTSB SEA91LA211: Ercoupe 415C, N2069H, Anaconda, MT, August 17, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1991, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Anaconda, MT
- Coordinates: 46.119289, -112.970756 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.1193&lon=-112.9708&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 March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41515
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA211
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41515/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA211

## Probable cause

AN INADVERTENT STALL DURING INITIAL CLIMB. THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND A PREMATURE LIFTOFF BY THE PILOT WERE FACTORS.

## 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
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM THE AIRPORT WITH A DENSITY ALTITUDE OF 7500-8000 FEET UNDER NO WIND CONDITIONS. THE AIRCRAFT WAS FULLY FUELED AND NEAR ITS MAXIMUM GROSS TAKEOFF WEIGHT AND THE PILOT DID NOT ADJUST THE FUEL/PASSENGER LOAD TO COMPENSATE.  DURING THE TAKEOFF THE AIRSPEED DECAYED BELOW STALL SPEED AND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED AND DESCENDED BACK TO THE RUNWAY.  INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE WAS AVAILABLE DURING THE STALL TO ENABLE THE PILOT TO EXECUTE A SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2069H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2069H-2012-08-23), registration cancelled 2012-08-23, S/N 2692, 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: 2692
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Walter J. Smith
- Registered owner: Walter J. Smith
- Airport: 3U3, Anaconda, runway 22, 4,500 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 317 total, 270 in this make and model, 317 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19910817034529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910817034529A), Aug 17, 1991: Univar 415C, Anaconda, MT, Substantial damage. Stalled on initial climbout and hit runway,wing and nose low. High density altitude and near gross were factors.

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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