On September 3, 2000, an Ercoupe 415-C (registration N87351) was involved in an aviation accident near Wapato, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently allowed the aircraft to descend to a lower than normal altitude and did not add power in time to clear the trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During approach, pilot descended below normal altitude and failed to climb in time to avoid trees, resulting in a collision.
Incident Overview
During an approach to a private airstrip, the pilot allowed the aircraft to descend to an altitude lower than normal. As the aircraft neared the end of the runway, the pilot realized that a climb was necessary to clear trees located just off the approach end. Although the pilot added power, the action was not executed in time to climb above the treetops. The aircraft subsequently collided with the trees and tumbled into the terrain.
Pilot Observations
The pilot later indicated that a downdraft may have been encountered at approximately the same time as power was added for the climb. No other factors were mentioned in the investigation source.
Probable cause
The pilot inadvertently allowed the aircraft to descend to a lower than normal altitude and did not add power in time to clear the trees.