N93659

Substantial
Minor

ERCOUPE 415S/N: 982

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA10CA049
Location
Germantown, NY
Event ID
20091105X70216
Coordinates
42.468055, -75.888885
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's decision to continue operation of the airplane with a known mechanical deficiency.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
ERCOUPE
Serial Number
982
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
415ERCO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
415-C

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MORRISSETT JAY D
Address
19108 DIXIE BELLE LN
City
BUMPASS
State / Zip Code
VA 23024-2002
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he had just purchased the accident airplane. After completing a familiarization flight with the previous owner, the pilot had the main fuel tanks topped off and departed. After flying for 20 minutes, the pilot noticed that the header fuel tank indicator was showing empty. The pilot returned to the departure airport and told the previous owner that something was wrong with the fuel system. The owner informed him that it should be fine, and the pilot refueled the header fuel tank, and departed again for his destination. During the flight the engine lost all power and the pilot conducted an emergency landing to a field. During landing the airplane flipped over inverted and was substantially damaged. An examination of the wreckage by a mechanic revealed that the fuel pump to the header tank was not operating at the correct flow rate.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA049