On June 30, 1983, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N93624) was involved in an aviation accident near Elk City, OK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night landing after a cross-country flight, an aircraft touched down 5 feet short of the runway, collapsing the nose gear. The pilot reported engine sputter and later found water in the fuel.
Accident Summary
A pilot reported that during a night landing following a cross-country flight, the aircraft touched down approximately five feet short of the runway. The impact resulted in the collapse of the nose gear.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that while on approach to land, he attempted to increase power, but the engine sputtered and did not respond with an increase in power. The aircraft subsequently landed short of the runway.
Fuel Issue
After the accident, the pilot inspected the fuel and discovered water in the fuel. The aircraft had been refueled about one hour before the accident. Notably, the same facility had serviced the aircraft both before and after the accident, and no power losses were experienced during those subsequent operations.