N93614

Substantial
None

Ercoupe 415-CS/N: 3465

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 26, 2008
NTSB Number
SEA08CA167
Location
Corona, CA
Event ID
20080815X01248
Coordinates
33.906944, -117.603614
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, resulting in a stall/mush. Contributing to the accident was the gusty crosswind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ERCOUPE
Serial Number
3465
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
415-CERCO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
415-C

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
PETERSON DENNIS E
Address
3550 PAULS LAKE CIR NE
City
CAMBRIDGE
State / Zip Code
MN 55008-9169
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot provided a written statement to the Safety Board investigator. He reported that he departed from runway 25 during gusty wind conditions. At 800 feet above ground level, he turned the airplane onto the crosswind leg and the left wing went down. The pilot recovered the airplane, added full throttle, and the airplane continued to descend. The pilot pulled back on the yoke to make the airplane climb; however, the airplane continued to descend. The airplane impacted trees and sustained substantial damage. According to the nearest aviation weather reporting system that was located at the airport, winds were from 290 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found no mechanical anomalies that would have resulted in a loss of airplane control.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA08CA167