On August 26, 2000, an Ercoupe 415-C (registration N93990) was involved in an aviation accident near Parsons, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot not maintaining clearance from the fence post and not attaining the proper touchdown point. A factor was the fence post. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, a small airplane struck a fence post and terrain, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction.
Accident Details
The airplane was on final approach for landing when it struck a fence post and the terrain. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft. Both the pilot and passenger received minor injuries.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that during the landing approach, the airplane suddenly sank after passing over a gravel road approximately 20 feet ahead of the landing strip. The airplane then struck a gate post about 10 feet from the end of the runway. After impact, the airplane hit the ground and performed a 180-degree turn. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction prior to the accident.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, main landing gear, nose gear, nose bowl, and propeller.