Ercoupe Pilot Applied Brakes And The Ercoupe’s Left Wing Tip Stuck The Cub’S Empennage

Location: Upland, California Accident Number: WPR25LA087
Date & Time: February 1, 2025, 13:00 Local Registration: N79LC (A1); N2951H (A2)
Aircraft: American Legend Aircraft Co AL3 (A1); Ercoupe 415-C (A2) Aircraft Damage: Substantial (A1); Substantial (A2)
Defining Event: Runway incursion veh/AC/person Injuries: 2 None (A1); 1 None (A2)
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal (A1); Part 91: General aviation - Personal (A2)

Analysis: The pilot of the Legend Cub reported that during the landing roll on the runway of a nontowered airport, an airplane struck his airplane from behind. The Cub sustained substantial damage to the empennage.

The pilot of the Ercoupe reported that he communicated his intention to land on the runway behind the Cub over the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) while on a final approach. The pilot determined to proceed with his approach, assuming that the Cub was clear of the runway. The airplane bounced during the landing, and the pilot decided to forgo a go-around and instead continue the touchdown. During the landing roll, shortly after looking up from the instrument console, the pilot saw the Cub taxiing on the runway. Immediately, the Ercoupe pilot applied brakes and the Ercoupe’s left wing tip stuck the Cub’s empennage. Subsequently, the Ercoupe sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar and left aileron.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate separation during landing, which resulted in a runway collision with another airplane. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov