What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-09-30 involved an Ercoupe 415-C, registration N2421H, at Tucumcari, NM.

Unauthorized Takeoff by Untrained Individuals Ends in Crash (N2421H)

On September 30, 2000, an Ercoupe 415-C (registration N2421H) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucumcari, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: loss of control during initial climb following takeoff by an unqualified person. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Two men hired to mow grass at an airport took an airplane without permission, fueled it, and attempted takeoff. During initial climb, the wings wobbled and the airplane entered a vertical dive, impacting the ground and bursting into flames. Neither occupant had pilot training.

Incident Overview

Two individuals, a father and son, were hired by the airplane owner to mow grass at the airport in preparation for an upcoming air show. Without the owner's permission, they took the airplane, taxied to the fueling station, had the airplane fueled, and then taxied to the runway for takeoff.

Takeoff and Crash

During the initial climb following takeoff, at about 150 feet above ground level, the wings were observed to "wobble." The airplane then entered a vertical dive. It impacted the ground beside the runway and burst into flames.

Occupant Background

Neither of the occupants had any pilot training or experience.

Investigation

No further details have been released by the investigating authorities. The accident remains under investigation.

2000-09-30: Ercoupe 415-C (N2421H) — Tucumcari, NM