Flight Instructor and Pilot Encounter Performance Issues During Departure (N94424)

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-09-30 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-G, registration N94424, operated by Porter, Marley, at Gallup, NM.

On September 30, 1992, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-G (registration N94424) operated by Porter, Marley was involved in an aviation accident near Gallup, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY OF THE AIRCRAFT. FACTORS WERE THE RISING TERRAIN AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. 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 1781061362Data API Editorial standards

A flight instructor and a pilot were checking out a newly purchased airplane. During departure with full fuel, the airplane struggled to climb into rising terrain. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on a rutted dirt road, hitting a fence post and fence.

Background

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was conducting a checkout flight for a pilot in his newly purchased airplane. The flight was returning to the pilot's home station.

Flight Details

The airplane departed with a full load of fuel. The pilot attempted to climb into the rising terrain surrounding the airport. According to the instructor pilot, "the ground out climbed the airplane," indicating that the terrain rose faster than the airplane could climb.

Accident Sequence

Unable to maintain a climb, the pilot looked for a suitable landing area. The first open area that became available was a rutted dirt road. The pilot executed a landing on the road. During the landing rollout, the airplane impacted a fence post and a fence, causing damage.

Conditions

The density altitude at the airport at the time of departure was 8,400 feet. The CFI had only one hour of experience in that type of airplane.

1992-09-30: Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-G (N94424) — Porter, Marley — Gallup, NM