On October 11, 1985, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-D (registration N3191H) was involved in an aviation accident near Sterling, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during the approach, which resulted in a collision with trees and subsequent ground impact. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed approximately 100 feet short of the runway while making an approach to Runway 34 at Sterling, Massachusetts, after encountering a severe downdraft and striking trees.
What happened
The aircraft was conducting an approach to Runway 34 at Sterling, Massachusetts, when it made contact with trees. The accident occurred approximately 100 feet short of the runway threshold. According to the pilot's statement, a severe downdraft was encountered during the final phase of the approach, which resulted in a rapid rate of descent.
As the aircraft descended below normal glide path parameters, the left main landing gear struck trees. This impact caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left by approximately 20 degrees. The force of the collision propelled the aircraft through the tree line, where it ultimately struck the ground. The initial ground contact was made with the left wing and the nose section first.
The investigation
The pilot reported that a severe downdraft contributed to the loss of altitude control during the approach. The sequence of events indicates that the aircraft descended rapidly due to weather conditions before impacting terrain obstacles short of the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during the approach, which resulted in a collision with trees and subsequent ground impact.