On May 31, 2000, an Ercoupe 415-C (registration N2589H) was involved in an aviation accident near Stockbridge, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: an in-flight collision with trees while maneuvering, which was the result of the pilot not allowing adequate altitude to clear the trees before starting a turn. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing landing approaches struck a pine tree while flying 3 to 4 feet above the ground, causing the airplane to crash into trees.
Accident Details
According to the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated he was going "to practice landing approaches." The airplane was observed flying low over a private airstrip at an altitude of 3 to 4 feet above the ground. During the approach, approximately two-thirds of the distance down runway 9, the pilot pulled up and banked right. The right wing then struck the top of a pine tree, causing the airplane to crash into trees on the west side of runway 33. The airplane traveled about 1,500 feet before coming to rest in a tree.
No other information regarding injuries, aircraft type, or environmental conditions was provided in the source.