Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff as a result of a child reaching for and manipulating the flight controls.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, he was going to take his grandson and great grandson on a flight around the airport. He stated that the great grandson was sitting on the lap of his grandson. During takeoff, as the airplane was lifting off the runway, the great grandson reached for the controls, turned them to the right, and pulled back. Subsequently, the airplane veered to the right, exited the runway, and struck a fence. During the accident sequence, the fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA293 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 18, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Frostproof, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Lake Clinch Airpark (52FL)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ercoupe 415-C
- N-number
- N3044H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.