N87173

Substantial
None

Ercoupe 415S/N: 346

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, November 3, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA20CA059
Location
Greer, SC
Event ID
20191104X05444
Coordinates
35.034168, -82.298889
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

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

Registration
N87173
Make
ERCOUPE
Serial Number
346
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
415ERCO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
2 CREIGHTON DR
Status
Deregistered
City
TAYLORS
State / Zip Code
SC 29687-3612
Country
United States

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