On April 12, 1986, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N2578H) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Louis, MO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot encountered windshear on final approach, causing the aircraft to sink and land short of the runway. The nose gear collapsed after striking a lip, damaging the firewall and fuselage.
Event Description
The pilot reported that a wind squall passed over the airport during landing. On final approach at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the aircraft encountered windshear and began to sink. Despite adding power, the pilot could not arrest the descent, and the aircraft landed in a plowed field about 20 feet short of the runway threshold.
Damage
Upon touching down, the nose gear struck a lip at the end of the runway. The gear collapsed aft, resulting in damage to the firewall and fuselage.
Weather Conditions
Weather reports from nearby St. Louis-Lambert Field indicated a cumulonimbus cloud in the vicinity and a windshift with gusts reaching 30 knots at the time of the accident.