Casualties unknown

Aircraft crashes short of runway during landing approach (N93523)

Stormville, NY, US

On November 16, 1986, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N93523) was involved in an aviation accident near Stormville, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and impact with terrain short of the runway. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft descended below the visual glidepath half a mile from touchdown. Despite an attempt to recover with added power, the plane crashed into a field short of the runway.

What happened

During the final phase of the landing approach, approximately one-half mile from the point of intended touchdown, the pilot reported that the aircraft descended below the established visual glidepath. Recognizing the deviation, the pilot attempted to recover by applying additional power.

Despite these efforts, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude and impacted a field located short of the runway. Upon striking the ground, the aircraft rolled and subsequently struck a roadway situated at the runway threshold. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce back onto the airport grounds, coming to rest in a left wing-low attitude.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the descent below the glidepath and the subsequent recovery attempt. Examination of the event revealed that the initial deviation from the visual path was not corrected sufficiently before reaching the runway threshold area.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and impact with terrain short of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Nov 1986 Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C accident near Stormville, NY?

An aircraft descended below the visual glidepath half a mile from touchdown. Despite an attempt to recover with added power, the plane crashed into a field short of the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Nov 1986 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C, registration N93523, at Stormville, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and impact with terrain short of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.