Aviation Accident Summary FTW92LA139

VAN, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N3454H

Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-CD

Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. WHILE ATTEMPTING A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD, THE AIRPLANE FLEW UNDER POWER LINES AND COLLIDED WITH THE LOWER SET OF WIRES. THE WIRES SEVERED THE RIGHT ELEVATOR CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL. THE FAA COORDINATOR FOUND NO FUEL IN THE AIRPLANE AND SAW NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL SPILLAGE.

Probable Cause and Findings

FUEL EXHAUSTION ENGINE POWER LOSS DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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