Summary
On November 03, 2019, a Ercoupe 415 (N87173) was involved in an incident near Greer, SC. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and impact with a fence.
The pilot reported that, while on final approach to land on a grass runway about sunset, he was suddenly unable to see the runway with any clarity, which caused him to flare late. The airplane bounced and drifted left. The left landing gear landed in tall vegetation, and the airplane veered left and impacted the fence.
The pilot further reported that he was unsure what caused the inability to see the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA20CA059. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N87173.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and impact with a fence.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, while on final approach to land on a grass runway about sunset, he was suddenly unable to see the runway with any clarity, which caused him to flare late. The airplane bounced and drifted left. The left landing gear landed in tall vegetation, and the airplane veered left and impacted the fence.
The pilot further reported that he was unsure what caused the inability to see the runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA20CA059