On August 24, 1982, an Ercoupe 415-C (registration N2928H) operated by Harvey K. Palmer was involved in an aviation accident near Athens, MI. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft landing on Runway 27 at a private field with a 350-foot displaced threshold due to power lines made a low approach, narrowly missing the wires on a touch-and-go. On a second approach, the aircraft was lower and did not pull up, according to a witness.
Incident Details
An aircraft was conducting landing operations on Runway 27 at a private airfield. The runway features a 350-foot displaced threshold, implemented because of 24-foot-high power lines located on the approach path.
Witness Account
A witness reported that during the first touch-and-go landing, the pilot flew low and narrowly avoided the power lines. On the second approach, the aircraft was noticeably lower, and the witness observed that it was obvious the aircraft would strike the wires. The witness stated that there was no attempt to avoid the wires, no increase in engine power, and the aircraft did not pull up or execute any evasive maneuver.
Environmental Conditions
The landing was being conducted into the setting sun. The pilot had landed at the private field on previous occasions.