Airplane Was On Its Second Takeoff Attempt From Tinkiller Airport

The NTSB has released a preliminary report from an accident that occurred April 12 at Tinkiller Airport (44M) in Cookson, OK. The two people on board the airplane sustained serious injuries.

According to the report, at about 1050 CDT, N2788H, an Ercoupe 415-C, sustained substantial damage after it made a forced landing to wooded terrain after a partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from 44M. The pilot and the pilot rated passenger both sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot rated passenger. No flight plan was filed for the flight that was destined for a private airstrip in Ozark, AR. VFR conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

According to a witness, the airplane experienced engine trouble on the first takeoff attempt but was able to land back on the runway. The airplane then taxied back to the departure end of the runway and took off again. The witness said the airplane began to climb and when it was 100 feet above the ground, the wings dipped back and forth. The airplane then pitched up and descended into trees.

(Ercoupe 415-C Pictured in file photo. Not accident airplane)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov