Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and his failure to initiate a go-around.
NTSB analysis
The pilot attempted to land, but had to execute a go-around because the airplane was too fast and far down the runway. During the second landing attempt, the airplane touched down about half way down the runway and bounced. As the airplane reached the departure end of the runway, the pilot steered the airplane off into vegetation which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA291 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brighton, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Brighton Airport (45G)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ercoupe
- N-number
- N99811
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.