Pilot Debrief

ERCOUPE 415 near Whitehall, MT — 2010-07-09

Final reportWPR10LA343
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Date
2010-07-09
Location
Whitehall, MT, USA
Aircraft
ERCOUPE 415
Registration
N87349
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed for a local flight with all three fuel tanks full. After 30 minutes into the flight, he was returning for landing when the engine lost power. He made a forced landing in a field; the nose gear collapsed and the firewall sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that fuel was in the gascolator and carburetor. No anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation of the engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted to another airport before engine lost power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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