N94131

Substantial
None

Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415DS/N: 1454

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, December 29, 2007
NTSB Number
CHI08CA056
Location
Abingdon, IL
Event ID
20080214X00193
Coordinates
40.799720, -90.438613
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The loose clamp on the throttle cable which prevented application of engine power. A factor in the accident was the low altitude when the throttle cable slipped.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ERCOUPE (ENG & RESEARCH CORP.)
Serial Number
1454
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
415DERCO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
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 pilot reported that he performed a fly-by at a restricted landing area and when he applied power the engine did not respond. He attempted a 180 degree turn to land on the runway in the opposite direction, but the right wing tip struck the ground prior to the completion of the turn. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that a clamp attached to the engine mount that secured the throttle cable to the engine mount structure had rotated. This prevented the opening of the carburetor butterfly when the throttle was advanced. Additional information obtained during the investigation revealed that the pilot's most recent application for a medical certificate was denied on November 14, 2003. Federal Aviation Administration regulations state that a person operating a airplane as a light sport aircraft must have been found eligible for the issuance of at least a third-class airman medical certificate at the time of his or her most recent application if that person has applied for a medical certificate in the past. In addition, the accident airplane, an Ercoupe 415D, which has a maximum gross weight of 1,400 pounds, does not comply with the 1,320 pound maximum gross weight limitation prescribed in the regulations.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA056