No fatalities

Ercoupe 415-C Accident in Ontario, Oregon (N99577)

Ontario, OR, United States

On May 21, 2024, an ENGINEERING & RESEARCH ERCOUPE 415-C (registration N99577) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The non-certificated pilot’s unstable approach to landing, which resulted in a collision with approach lighting, hard landing, and postimpact fire. 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

On May 21, 2024, an Ercoupe 415-C (N99577) struck runway lights, bounced, and caught fire after an unstable approach in Ontario, Oregon. The pilot sustained serious injuries.

Accident Details

On May 21, 2024, at approximately 1215 Pacific daylight time, an Engineering & Research Ercoupe 415-C, registration N99577, was involved in a landing accident near Ontario, Oregon. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight was being conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

Witness Observations

Witnesses who were holding short of runway 15 reported observing the accident airplane on an unstable approach to the runway. Shortly thereafter, they saw the airplane strike two runway end identifier lights, then bounce, and land on the runway. As the airplane came to rest, a post-crash fire ensued.

Aircraft Damage

The fuselage and wings of the airplane sustained substantial impact and thermal damage. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Investigation

No probable cause has been determined at this time.

Contributing factors

PilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintainedDescent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintained