# NTSB SEA97LA197: Ercoupe 415-C, N3578H, Elma, WA, July 29, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1997, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Elma, WA
- Coordinates: 47.099514, -123.390892 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.0995&lon=-123.3909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 4, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42681
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA97LA197
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42681/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA197

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions while landing.  A factor was the crosswind.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Analysis

After touchdown, the airplane departed the runway about 300 feet from the landing end of runway 25.  Winds were 180 degrees at 7 knots.  The pilot reported the winds as being 250 degrees at 10-15 knots, gusting to 15-20 knots.  The pilot stated that she was landing on a narrow runway.  She stated that when the wheels touched down, she realized an apparent wind gust had forced the aircraft to the left of the centerline.  As she attempted to steer back to the right, the left wing tip struck adjacent shrubbery.

## Factual narrative

On July 29, 1997, approximately 1000 Pacific daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N3578H, sustained substantial damage when the pilot lost control while landing on runway 25 at Elma, Washington.  The private pilot and her passenger were uninjured.  No flight plan was filed for the local flight, and there was no report of the ELT actuating.

The airplane departed the runway about 300 feet from the landing end of runway 25.  Winds were 180 degrees at 7 knots at the time of the accident, according to an FAA source.  The pilot reported the winds as being 250 degrees at 10-15 knots, gusting to 15-20 knots.

The occurrence was reported to the FAA on August 20, 1997.   A determination that the damage comprised an accident was determined on August 29, 1997.

The pilot stated that she was landing on a narrow runway.  When the wheels touched down, she realized an apparent wind gust had forced the aircraft to the left of the centerline.  As she attempted to steer back to the right, the left wing  tip struck adjacent shrubbery.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3578H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3578H-2012-07-11), registration cancelled 2012-07-11, S/N 4203, built 1946 (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: 4203
- Engines: Continental O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Patricia Conroy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: WA22, Elma, runway 25, 2,350 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 120 total, 60 in this make and model, 90 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19970729045469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970729045469A), Jul 29, 1997: Univar 415C, Elma, WA, Substantial damage. (.4)On July 29, 1997, approxiamtely 1000 pacific daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-C, N3578H, sustained substantial damage when the pilot lost control while…

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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