On February 3, 2005, an Ercoupe 415-C (registration N99452) was involved in an aviation accident near Alexandria, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control while maneuvering to land. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot lost control of his 1946-vintage airplane while entering the traffic pattern, leading to impact on airport property. The pilot had limited experience in the aircraft and a denied medical certificate since 1978.
Accident Overview
While entering the airport traffic pattern on a left downwind at the conclusion of a 213-nautical-mile cross-country flight, the commercial pilot lost control of the airplane. The airplane impacted terrain in a nose-low attitude on airport property. A witness located on one of the closed runways observed the airplane fly over a tree line with no erratic movements. As the airplane descended, it "went into an approximate 20 degree nose down attitude" and struck the ground. There was no fire.
Investigation Findings
Flight control continuity was established throughout the airframe at the accident site. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the engine or airframe. The 1946-vintage airplane was purchased by the 68-year-old commercial pilot approximately two months prior to the accident, during which he accumulated a total of 3.9 hours on the airplane.
Pilot Information
The pilot had been denied his last medical certificate following his examination in 1978. His autopsy did not produce any signs of incapacitation.
Communication Aspects
All radio communications between the pilot and the tower operator were reported as normal.