Pilot Debrief

Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-D near Riverside, CA — 2008-03-20

Final reportLAX08CA094
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Date
2008-03-20
Location
Riverside, CA, USA
Airport
RIR
Aircraft
Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-D
Registration
N3942H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Water contamination of the fuel system due to the pilot's inadequate preflight and failure to adequately drain the water from the fuel system.

NTSB narrative

The pilot fueled the airplane, sumped the wing tanks, and departed. The engine lost power at the end of the runway on climb out. He made a forced landing on the grass infield of the airport. The nose wheel went into a gopher hole, and the airplane nosed forward. Post crash examination established that the firewall sustained damage. The pilot reported that he also found water in the gascolator, and that the water most likely got into the fuel system during recent rains. He opined that a more thorough preflight could have prevented the accident.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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