What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-06-16 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C, registration N94351, at Truth/consequen, NM.

Pilot Performs Multiple Steep Climbs Before Forced Landing in Mesquite Brush (N94351)

On June 16, 1990, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (registration N94351) was involved in an aviation accident near Truth/consequen, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER AIRSPEED AND OBTAIN A PROPER CLIMB RATE AFTER TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A passenger reported that during takeoff, the pilot performed steep climbs until airspeed decayed, repeated twice, then attempted to land on the runway but had to add power to clear a fence, resulting in a forced landing in mesquite brush.

Incident Overview

A pilot attempted to take off from a runway. According to the passenger, the pilot lifted off at 60 miles per hour, then pulled the plane up steeply until the airspeed bled off. The pilot then pushed the nose over to regain airspeed and repeated this maneuver twice more before the plane reached the end of the runway.

Decision to Land

The passenger said the pilot decided to land on the end of the runway. The pilot reduced power, but had to add power again to clear a fence. After clearing the fence, the pilot reduced power, asked the passenger to shut off the fuel, and made a forced landing in the mesquite brush.

Damage

The forced landing damaged the nose gear, engine mounts, and both wings. The damage was described as substantial.

No Further Details

The report does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, weather conditions, or ATC involvement. No probable cause is stated.

1990-06-16: Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (N94351) — Truth/consequen, NM