They Had Been En Route For About 2 Hours When The Engine RPMS Decreased

Location: Waupun, WI Accident Number: CEN23LA322
Date & Time: July 22, 2023, 19:40 Local Registration: N415JC
Aircraft: Ercoupe 415-D Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 22, 2023, about 1940 central daylight time, an Ercoupe 415-D, N415JC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Waupun, Wisconsin. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the pilot-rated passenger sustained no injuries. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.

According to the passenger, they had been en route for about 2 hours when the engine rpms decreased. The pilot immediately turned the carburetor heat on and cycled the engine throttle control. The engine would sputter and catch but then rpms would decrease again. The engine lost total power. The passenger stated that the sight gauge on the center (header) fuel tank indicated that the tank was empty.

The pilot performed a forced landing to a marsh. The airplane came to rest upright with substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage.

The flight had originated in Conroe, Texas, and they were en route to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The passenger stated that they stopped for fuel in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He stated that during the fueling the center (header) tank was full with 6 gallons of fuel, both main fuel tanks were full with 9 gallons of fuel each, and each auxiliary tank had 2 gallons of fuel added. They estimated that they had over 4 hours of fuel on board when they departed. This was the same fuel scheme they had used for their entire trip.

According to law enforcement, both main fuel tanks were empty on scene; however, there was a strong smell of fuel. The auxiliary fuel tanks were not checked. The passenger and one first responder reported chemical burns on their feet and legs after they stood in the marsh adjacent to the airplane. The left main fuel tank was compromised and the gascolator was impact damaged.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov