N99811

Substantial
None

Engineering & Research Ercoupe 415-CS/N: 2434

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, April 21, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI07CA110
Location
Brighton, MI
Event ID
20070507X00520
Coordinates
42.893611, -83.998886
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's failure to maintain proper glidepath to the runway. Contributing factors to the accident included the passenger vehicle, the rising embankment, and the airport perimeter fence.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ENGINEERING & RESEARCH
Serial Number
2434
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
Ercoupe 415-C
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
ERCOUPE 415-C

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GREGORY VERNON L
Address
409 SWEET PEA LN
City
SWANSEA
State / Zip Code
SC 29160-8951
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane impacted terrain while on final approach to runway 22 (3,120 feet by 24 feet, asphalt). The student pilot stated that the airplane "was caught in a downdraft/wind shear and was not able to clear perimeter fence, even with application of full power." The pilot reported there was a small valley to the northeast of the airport which "probably caused the downdraft." An on-scene investigation revealed that the airplane impacted the radio-antenna of a passenger vehicle operating on the road adjacent to the airport. The airplane then impacted a rising embankment and proceeded through the airport perimeter fence, coming to rest short of the approach threshold. The student pilot was flying with an expired 90 day solo endorsement and did not have a medical certificate. The student pilot was operating the airplane as a light-sport pilot. A local weather reporting station reported the winds were from 260 magnetic degrees at 4 knots at the time of the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI07CA110