On June 20, 1989, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) ERCOUPE 415C (registration N93765) operated by Curtis W.hewitt, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Canaan, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Several parts of the fuel pump were loose allowing fuel to leak from the pump in flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A returning Ercoupe 415C lost engine power, avoided highway landing due to trees, ditched in a lake. Occupants uninjured; aircraft caught fire and sank. Loose fuel pump parts found.
Accident Overview
The pilot of an Ercoupe 415C was returning to his departure airport when the engine lost power. Unable to land on a highway because trees obstructed the flight path, the pilot executed a forced landing in a lake. Both occupants were uninjured. However, after landing, the aircraft caught fire and subsequently sank.
Post-Accident Inspection
An on-scene inspection of the fuel pump revealed that several parts of the fuel pump were loose. This condition allowed fuel to leak from the pump during flight, which led to the engine power loss.
Final Status
The aircraft sustained fire damage and was submerged in the lake. No other details were provided by the investigation.
Probable cause
Several parts of the fuel pump were loose allowing fuel to leak from the pump in flight.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Jun 1989 Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) ERCOUPE 415C accident near Canaan, CT?
A returning Ercoupe 415C lost engine power, avoided highway landing due to trees, ditched in a lake. Occupants uninjured; aircraft caught fire and sank. Loose fuel pump parts found.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jun 1989 Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) ERCOUPE 415C accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jun 1989 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) ERCOUPE 415C, registration N93765, operated by Curtis W.hewitt, Jr., at Canaan, CT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Several parts of the fuel pump were loose allowing fuel to leak from the pump in flight.
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