On February 3, 1991, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (registration N99483) operated by Bill Tyson was involved in an aviation accident near Pixley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT IN CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE MAKE AND MODEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and passenger conducted touch-and-go landings for an airplane evaluation when the engine ran rough and quit. An emergency landing in an alfalfa field resulted in substantial damage after hitting a ditch.
Accident Details
A certificated private pilot, accompanied by a passenger, was performing touch-and-go landings to evaluate an airplane prior to purchase. The pilot had accumulated approximately 4 hours in the airplane over the previous 7 days. During the final approach after several touch-and-go landings, the engine began to run rough and then stopped. The pilot executed an emergency landing in an alfalfa field. During the landing rollout, the airplane struck a ditch and sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was in the process of an annual inspection that had not been completed. The previous annual inspection occurred in November 1988. No mechanical malfunctions were found during the post-accident examination.
Meteorological Conditions
Meteorological conditions at the time were conducive to carburetor icing. The pilot did not indicate the use of carburetor heat during the descent phase of the landings.