On March 13, 2001, an Ercoupe 415-C (registration N93504) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged the turn from the downwind leg to the base leg, resulting in a premature descent, and he did not execute a go-around when needed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch-and-go landings, a pilot misjudged a turn, resulting in a premature descent. He continued toward the runway at low altitude, the left wing struck trees, and the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted the ground.
Event Details
The pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings. While maneuvering, the pilot misjudged the turn from the downwind leg to the base leg. This misjudgment resulted in a premature descent.
Pilot Actions
Recognizing the situation, the pilot later stated that he should have executed a go-around. However, he elected to continue the approach toward the runway.
Accident Sequence
As the airplane proceeded on the final approach leg, its altitude was low. The left wing contacted trees, causing the airplane to enter an uncontrolled descent. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground.
Probable cause
The pilot misjudged the turn from the downwind leg to the base leg, resulting in a premature descent, and he did not execute a go-around when needed.