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Casualties unknown

1997-08-16: Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (N2237H) — Siler City, NC

Siler City, NC, US

On August 16, 1997, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N2237H) was involved in an aviation accident near Siler City, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing, inaccurate weather evaluation by the pilot, and his poor in-flight planning decision for descending too low to read a road sign. 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

After takeoff, a passenger noted fuel coming from the right wing fuel tank cap. Later, the right wing fuel tank sight gauge indicated 1/4 capacity. The pilot diverted to Asheboro but missed it due to wind overcorrection, then diverted to Siler City. While descending to read a highway sign, the airplane struck an unmarked span guy wire and collided with trees.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a general aviation airplane did not obtain a preflight weather briefing before departure. Shortly after takeoff, a passenger observed fuel leaking from the right wing fuel tank cap. Despite this observation, the flight continued.

Flight Details

Approximately 20 to 30 minutes into the flight, the right wing fuel tank sight gauge indicated that the fuel level was at one-quarter capacity. The pilot decided to divert to the Asheboro airport to investigate the fuel issue. However, due to an overcorrection for wind, he was unable to locate the airport. He then elected to fly to the Siler City airport. After recognizing a nearby highway, he chose to descend to read a highway sign.

Collision

During the descent, the airplane collided with an unmarked span guy wire, which had a height ranging from 28 to 36 feet above ground level. Following the impact with the guy wire, the airplane then collided with and remained suspended in trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08710. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.