Casualties unknown

1997-07-29: Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (N3578H) — Elma, WA

Elma, WA, US

On July 29, 1997, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N3578H) was involved in an aviation accident near Elma, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and striking shrubbery. 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 pilot lost directional control upon landing on a narrow runway due to crosswind gusts, causing the left wing to strike vegetation just off the pavement.

What happened

The airplane departed the paved surface approximately 300 feet from the landing threshold of Runway 25 shortly after touchdown. Environmental conditions at the airport indicated winds from 180 degrees at 7 knots. However, the pilot reported receiving wind information indicating a direction of 250 degrees with speeds between 10 and 15 knots, gusting up to 15-20 knots.

The pilot noted that the runway was narrow, which likely contributed to the difficulty in maintaining alignment. Upon initial contact with the ground, an apparent wind gust pushed the aircraft to the left of the centerline. In an effort to correct the drift and steer back toward the right, the pilot lost control of the lateral direction. Consequently, the left wingtip struck adjacent shrubbery located just off the runway edge.

The investigation

No mechanical failure or pre-impact anomaly was identified that would have prevented controlled flight. The primary factor was the loss of directional control during the landing roll on a narrow surface under crosswind conditions.

Findings

The deviation from the runway centerline was caused by a combination of wind shear and the limited width of the landing area. The pilot's attempt to correct for the leftward drift resulted in the wingtip impacting ground vegetation.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and striking shrubbery.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08521. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.