PRAGUE, OK, USA
N87131
Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-C
AFTER PURCHASING THE ACFT, THE NEW OWNER (A STUDENT PLT) HAD ASKED HIS UNCLE (REPORTEDLY AN EXPERIENCED PLT) TO FLY HIS ACFT HOME. DURING THE FLT, THE ENG LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER THE PLT LEVELED OFF AT 4000 FT MSL (APRX 3000 FT AGL). THERE WAS NO SUITABLE LANDING AREA, SO THE PLT STALLED THE ACFT INTO THE TOPS OF THE TREES. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH WATER. SPRING LOADED VALVES IN THE FUEL PUMP EFFECTIVELY TRAPPED THE WATER IN THE PUMP AFTER THE ENG STOPPED RUNNING. A FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE ACFT WAS OVERDUE FOR AN ANNUAL INSPECTION & NO FERRY PERMIT HAD BEEN ISSUED. ALTHOUGH THE PLT HAD REPORTEDLY BEEN FLYING FOR MANY YEARS, HE POSSESSED NO FAA PLT OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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