No fatalities

ERCOUPE 415-C accident at Frostproof, FL, 18 Jul 2021

Frostproof, FL, United States

On July 18, 2021, an ERCOUPE 415-C was involved in an aviation accident near Frostproof, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff as a result of a child reaching for and manipulating the flight controls. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff as a result of a child reaching for and manipulating the flight controls.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PassengerPilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 2021 ERCOUPE 415-C accident near Frostproof, FL?

The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff as a result of a child reaching for and manipulating the flight controls.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jul 2021 ERCOUPE 415-C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 2021 involved an ERCOUPE 415-C, at Frostproof, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff as a result of a child reaching for and manipulating the flight controls.