ERCOUPE 415-C
Gallup, NM — May 16, 2009
Event Information
| Date | May 16, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA302 |
| Event ID | 20090518X63402 |
| Location | Gallup, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.51111, -108.78917 |
| Airport | Gallup Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | ERCOUPE |
| Model | 415-C |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude.
Full Narrative
The pilot and passenger departed in an 85-horsepower, single-engine airplane from an airport with a density altitude that was later calculated to be about 8,666 feet. When the airplane was approximately 300 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a loss of lift. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot selected a dirt road as a possible landing site; however, the airplane impacted terrain before reaching the road. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the pilot and passenger were able to exit the airplane unassisted. An examination of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.