On May 31, 1993, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (registration N37139) operated by Rains, Cecil R. was involved in an aviation accident near Derby, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the final approach, which resulted in the landing gear contacting wheat in a field south of the runway and the subsequent pitch-over of the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft pitched over onto its back after the landing gear struck wheat in a field adjacent to the runway during final approach, approximately 30 feet short of the threshold.
What happened
The pilot reported that after completing a brief local pleasure flight, he returned to land at the departure airport. During the final approach phase, the aircraft's landing gear made contact with wheat located in the field immediately south of the runway. The airplane settled into the crop and pitched over onto its back, coming to rest approximately 30 feet short of the runway threshold.
The investigation
No further mechanical examination or investigative findings were provided in the source material regarding the condition of the aircraft prior to impact.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the premature descent into the wheat field adjacent to the runway. The pilot failed to maintain sufficient altitude on short final, resulting in the landing gear striking the vegetation and causing the aircraft to pitch over onto its back.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude during the final approach, which resulted in the landing gear contacting wheat in a field south of the runway and the subsequent pitch-over of the airplane.