On July 12, 2003, an Ercoupe 415-D (registration N2545H) was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper approach speed and landing touch down point resulting in a runway overrun. A factor was the tailwind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on grass runway 34, the pilot, after touchdown, realized insufficient remaining runway. Attempting a go-around, the aircraft's speed was too low, leading it to clear a perpendicular taxiway, bounce, and flip over.
Event Details
The pilot reduced engine power to idle while approaching the threshold of grass runway 34, but the aircraft was about 10 miles per hour faster than the pilot preferred. After touching down, the pilot recognized that too much runway had been consumed to safely stop. A decision was made to abort the landing and execute a go-around; however, the aircraft's speed was too slow to achieve a successful takeoff. As a result, the pilot chose to steer toward clear ground to mitigate the situation. The aircraft then ascended over the bordering taxiway, which ran perpendicular to the runway, descended on the opposite side, bounced upon impact, and ultimately flipped over.
Weather Conditions
At 0955, the weather observation facility located at the airport reported wind from 180 degrees at 7 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 12 Jul 2003 Ercoupe 415-D accident near Arlington, WA?
During a landing on grass runway 34, the pilot, after touchdown, realized insufficient remaining runway. Attempting a go-around, the aircraft's speed was too low, leading it to clear a perpendicular taxiway, bounce, and flip over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jul 2003 involved an Ercoupe 415-D, registration N2545H, at Arlington, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper approach speed and landing touch down point resulting in a runway overrun. A factor was the tailwind condition.