On July 29, 1993, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N2663H) operated by Collins, Robert D. was involved in an aviation accident near Liberty, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE EMERGENCY LANDING. A FACTOR IS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the first flight after purchase, the pilot reported power loss at 100-150 feet agl. The airplane, fueled with automobile gasoline, came to rest in a soybean field. Postaccident examination showed no preimpact anomaly.
Flight Background
The flight was the first flight after the pilot purchased the airplane. Prior to departure, the airplane was fueled with automobile gasoline. The pilot reported that engine runups performed before departure revealed no abnormal indications.
In-Flight Event
During climb, at an altitude of 100-150 feet above ground level, the pilot stated: "At 100-150 feet AGL I felt like I was losing power...not enough runway to land...wing was dipping." The airplane came to rest in a soybean field.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination and engine runup revealed no evidence of preimpact anomaly. The engine appeared to have been operating normally before the event.