No fatalities

3 Nov 2019: Ercoupe 415 C — Old Time Aero Llc — Greer, SC

Greer, SC, United States

On 3 Nov 2019, an Ercoupe 415 C operated by Old Time Aero Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Greer, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and impact with a fence. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported losing visual clarity of a grass runway during final approach at sunset, resulting in a late flare, bounce, left drift, and collision with a fence. Substantial damage to the left wing occurred.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that, while on final approach to land on a grass runway around sunset, he suddenly lost the ability to see the runway clearly. This loss of visibility caused him to flare late, leading to a bounced landing. After the bounce, the airplane drifted left, and the left landing gear contacted tall vegetation. The airplane then veered left and impacted a fence.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that he was uncertain about the cause of his inability to see the runway. No further explanation was provided regarding the sudden loss of visual clarity.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing as a result of the fence impact.

Contributing factors

Landing flare — Not attained/maintainedDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation