Probable cause
The loss of engine power during the go-around due to fuel contamination.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was flying the accident airplane under a ferry permit to the destination airport. However, due to unsafe runway conditions at the destination, he chose to land at an alternate airport nearby. Upon arrival at the alternate airport, the pilot executed an aborted landing. He applied engine power and climbed the airplane to about 150 to 200 ft and then the engine lost power without any warning. During the forced landing, the airplane sustained substantial wing and firewall damage. During a postaccident engine run using the header tank fuel from the accident flight, the engine started, ran roughly, and would not accelerate smoothly. The header tank was drained, and fresh aviation fuel was added to the tank; the engine then ran smoothly and accelerated normally. The engine likely lost power due to contaminated fuel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA177 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 7, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- St Jacob, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- St Louis Metro-East (3K6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ercoupe 415 C
- N-number
- N87EV
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Ferry
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.