Casualties unknown

1993-09-26: Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (N3561H) — Columbia, CA

Columbia, CA, US

On September 26, 1993, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (registration N3561H) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper use of the elevator control during the takeoff ground roll which resulted in a porpoise and nose gear collapse. A factor in the accident was the pilot's low total experience and lack of total time in type. 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 APIEditorial standards

A recently purchased aircraft with a pilot having 6 hours in type experienced a nose landing gear collapse during takeoff after the pilot applied down elevator to counteract an early liftoff at 42 mph indicated.

Incident Narrative

During the takeoff ground roll, as the aircraft accelerated through 42 mph indicated airspeed, the aircraft began to lift off. The pilot, who had been instructed to lift off at 55 mph, reported that he did not want to stall or mush. To keep the aircraft on the runway, he applied down elevator. The aircraft subsequently began to porpoise, then veered off the runway after the collapse of the nose landing gear.

Pilot Background

The pilot had recently purchased the aircraft and had accumulated only 6 hours of flight time in that make and model. No further details regarding the pilot's total experience or qualifications are available from the source.

Outcome

The nose landing gear collapsed during the event, and the aircraft veered off the runway. The source does not specify any injuries, damage to other parts of the aircraft, or the condition of the runway. No information is provided about the aircraft type, registration, date, location, or weather conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13447. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.