Casualties unknown

2007-07-29: Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-C (N87026) — Valkaria, FL

Valkaria, FL, US

On July 29, 2007, an Engineering & Research ERCOUPE 415-C (registration N87026) was involved in an aviation accident near Valkaria, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent collision with the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performing multiple go-arounds during landing attempt experienced a right wing stall and subsequent runway impact. The aircraft slid about 100 feet before stopping; occupants exited without assistance.

Flight Sequence

The pilot reported that the flight was returning from a pleasure flight. He entered the traffic pattern for landing on runway 27, but another airplane was in the pattern for runway 32. The pilot found himself high on final approach and elected to initiate a go-around. He climbed to 800 feet and proceeded to the shoreline, then reentered the traffic pattern for runway 27.

Approach and Go-Arounds

On the second approach, the airplane was again high. When the flight was halfway down the runway, the pilot performed a second go-around. This time, he flew to the Indian River and returned for landing on runway 27.

Final Approach and Impact

When the flight was over the runway numbers, the pilot pulled aft on the yoke. He felt the airplane sinking when it was about 50 feet above the ground. He added full power, and about that time, the right wing stalled, the nose dropped, and the right wing impacted the runway, followed by the nose. The airplane slid about 100 feet and came to a stop facing 90 degrees from the original flight path.

Post-Accident

The pilot and passenger exited the airplane without assistance. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070911X01358. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.