Casualties unknown

1985-09-18: Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (N93848) — John R. Stauffer — Orchards, WA

Orchards, WA, US

On September 18, 1985, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N93848) operated by John R. Stauffer was involved in an aviation accident near Orchards, WA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot performed a wings-level pull-up from a dive. A witness saw wing tips flutter, then both wings separated due to positive overload. No pre-existing spar weakness was found; the reason for the maneuver could not be determined.

Accident Summary

A private pilot was observed executing a wings-level pull-up from a dive. According to a witness, the wing tips began fluttering during the maneuver. Immediately thereafter, both wings separated in positive overload. The condition that necessitated the pilot's pull-up maneuver could not be determined.

Witness Observation

The witness reported that the aircraft's wing tips started fluttering while the pilot was performing the pull-up. Shortly after the flutter began, both wings detached from the airframe. No other details about the witness's perspective or location were specified.

Structural Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any pre-existing weakness in the spar structure at the separation point. The wings failed due to overload, consistent with the positive loading experienced during the pull-up. The absence of prior structural deficiencies suggests the failure was not due to fatigue or corrosion.

Environmental Conditions

Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the accident area. Winds were light, and no turbulence was reported. The weather conditions were not considered a contributing factor based on available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37906. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.