Accident Details
According to the pilot's account, the aircraft was on the final approach leg of the traffic pattern at 80 mph. The pilot landed on a 2,590-foot turf runway. During the rollout, the pilot applied the brakes, but the airplane continued off the end of the runway, impacted a fence, and came to rest in a nose-low position. The accident sequence resulted in substantial damage to the wing spars.
Aircraft Manual Guidance
The Ercoupe Instruction Manual specifies that the landing approach airspeed should be between 60 and 70 mph. The pilot's indicated approach speed was 80 mph, which is above this recommended range.
Wreckage Examination
A subsequent examination of the wreckage revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. The aircraft appeared to be functioning properly before the accident.
Operational Context
No other factors such as weather, time of day, or air traffic control involvement were reported in the pilot's statement. The runway length and surface condition were not characterized beyond being turf.