On June 24, 2001, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415-CD (registration N3962H) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcalester, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the inadvertent stall by the pilot-in-command. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A fueled airplane departed but was found the next day near the runway by a helicopter crew. No witnesses or distress calls. Damage and ground scars consistent with a stall. Engine had ferrous debris but no catastrophic failure.
Discovery
The airplane departed after its fuel tanks were topped off. The following day, a helicopter operating on an unrelated business flight discovered the airplane approximately one-quarter mile from the departure end of the runway. The helicopter crew maneuvered near the site and observed the accident area, which consisted of rough and uneven terrain.
Examination
No witnesses to the accident were identified, and no distress calls were received. Examination of the accident site revealed damage to the airplane and ground scars that were consistent with a stall. The airframe was inspected and no anomalies that would preclude normal operation were found. The engine examination revealed several anomalies, including ferrous debris in the cylinders and main oil screen; however, there was no evidence of catastrophic engine failure.
Conclusion
The investigation did not determine a specific cause for the accident. The damage patterns were consistent with a stall, and the engine showed debris but no catastrophic failure. No further details were provided.