Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors were the pilots necessity to avoid a power line during the emergency descent and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
**This report was modified on 6/21/2011; please see the public docket for this accident to see earlier versions of this report.**
On May 31, 2002, approximately 1400 central daylight time, an Ercoupe ERCO-415-E single-engine airplane, N94769, registered to and operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Dennis F Cantrell Field Airport, Conway, Arkansas. The private pilot and his 1 passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plane was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
According to information provided in the enclosed NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) and a telephone interview, the pilot reported that the engine lost power after takeoff at an altitude of 150-200 feet. He stated that the engine RPM's went from full, down to 800 RPM's. After pulling up over power lines at the end of the runway, he maneuvered the airplane into a hay field. Subsequently, the hard landing resulted in structural damage to the fuselage.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW02LA168