ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 41065
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| Date: | Saturday 16 May 1998 |
| Time: | 14:50 LT |
| Type: |  ERCO 415-C Ercoupe |
| Owner/operator: | |
| Registration: | N3230H |
| MSN: | 3855 |
| Engine model: | Continental C75-12 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | New Lisbon, NY -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Landing |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Cooperstown, NY |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
Approximately 20 minutes after the pilot and passenger departed on a local flight a witness heard the engine sputter then quit. The airplane then maneuvered for an open field, impacted it in a level attitude, and burst into flames. During examination of the number 2 piston, a hole from detonation approximately 1 inch long and 1/4 inch wide was observed melted through the piston head (according to a FAA Advisory Curricular 65-12A, detonation can burn a hole completely through a piston). At the accident location, grass laid over on its side and spaced constant with the airplane's landing gear marked the start of the debris field. These marks were subtle and continued in the direction of the wreckage for about 12 feet. After 12 feet, the slope of the grass covered terrain increased 10 degrees and the ground scars became more pronounced. According to a New York State Police Officer, the state police helicopter crew that responded to the accident reported the crash site looked 'level' from the air. However, when measured along the debris field axis with an inclinometer, the slope was 15 degrees up.
Probable Cause: Detonation within the No. 2 cylinder resulting in melting and breaching of the piston, and the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Contributing factors were the uphill terrain encountered during the landing and the visual perception (illusion) that the terrain was not sloped.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB NYC98FA107
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Oct-2008 10:30 | ASN archive | Added |
| 21-Dec-2016 19:23 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency] |
| 07-Apr-2024 12:30 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Other fatalities, Phase, Departure airport, Source, Narrative, Category, Accident report] |
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