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Casualties unknown

Pilot Damages Aircraft During Landing on Private Turf Strip with Ravine (N94196)

Wausau, WI, US

On August 25, 1996, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N94196) was involved in an aviation accident near Wausau, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, and his misjudgment of distance and speed, while attempting to minimize the effect of crossing an uneven area on the runway. The uneven runway condition was a related factor. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed twice on a private 1,800-foot turf airstrip with a gentle ravine crossing its middle. The first landing succeeded by floating over the ravine, but the second attempt resulted in aircraft damage due to insufficient airspeed.

Event Details

A pilot conducted two flights at a private turf airstrip measuring 1,800 feet in length. The airstrip featured a gentle ravine that crossed perpendicularly at its midpoint.

First Landing

During the initial landing, the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before reaching the ravine. He responded by adding power to "float" over the ravine, subsequently completing a successful landing on the far side.

Second Flight and Landing

After the first landing, the pilot took off for a second local flight. Upon returning, he attempted another landing. Again, he could not stop before reaching the ravine. He applied power to fly over the ravine but did not achieve sufficient airspeed to become airborne. As the airplane crossed the ravine, it sustained damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Aug 1996 Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C accident near Wausau, WI?

A pilot landed twice on a private 1,800-foot turf airstrip with a gentle ravine crossing its middle. The first landing succeeded by floating over the ravine, but the second attempt resulted in aircraft damage due to insufficient airspeed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Aug 1996 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C, registration N94196, at Wausau, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, and his misjudgment of distance and speed, while attempting to minimize the effect of crossing an uneven area on the runway. The uneven runway condition was a related factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06479. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.