Probable cause
The pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the tree during takeoff. Contributing to the accident were the windshear and the tree.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff the airplane was "struck by wind shear" from its right side. He reported that the airplane "lost perhaps 20' - 30' of altitude" and that he "could not avoid impact with the tree." The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the accident flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA233 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cedarburg, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ercoupe (Eng & Research Corp.) 415-C
- N-number
- N93963
- 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.