N94300

Substantial
Minor

ERCOUPE 415-CS/N: 1523

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, May 16, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA302
Location
Gallup, NM
Event ID
20090518X63402
Coordinates
35.511112, -108.789169
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N94300
Make
ERCOUPE
Serial Number
1523
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
415-CERCO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SMITH CURTIS S
Address
1127 CAMINO HERMOSA
Status
Deregistered
City
CORRALES
State / Zip Code
NM 87048-8438
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot and passenger departed in an 85-horsepower, single-engine airplane from an airport with a density altitude that was later calculated to be about 8,666 feet. When the airplane was approximately 300 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a loss of lift. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot selected a dirt road as a possible landing site; however, the airplane impacted terrain before reaching the road. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane unassisted. An examination of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA302