On March 4, 2000, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-C (registration N3719H) was involved in an aviation accident near Rome, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently selecting the mixture control to off, resulting in a total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot inadvertently moved the mixture control to off at 300 feet AGL during a touch-and-go landing. Unable to restart the engine due to low altitude, the aircraft impacted the runway nose-down at 50 knots.
Accident Overview
A pilot departed and flew to an intended destination to perform touch-and-go landings. Weather conditions were described as excellent visual flight rules (VFR) with winds from the northeast at approximately 12 knots. The first touch-and-go landing on runway 33 was completed without incident.
Sequence of Events
During the second touch-and-go landing, at 300 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot inadvertently selected the mixture control to the off position. Upon realizing the error, the pilot chose to continue the approach without attempting to restart the engine, citing the altitude remaining as insufficient for a restart. The aircraft subsequently developed a high rate of descent. With insufficient time and altitude to regain adequate airspeed, the pilot attempted to flare the airplane for touchdown but was unsuccessful.
Impact and Aftermath
The airplane impacted the runway approximately 10 degrees nose down at a speed of 50 knots. After the impact, the pilot secured the aircraft's systems. Both the pilot and a passenger then exited the airplane.