Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and impact with a fence.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while on final approach to land on a grass runway, he was suddenly unable to see the runway clearly, which caused him to flare the airplane late. The airplane bounced and drifted left. The left landing gear touched down in tall vegetation, and the airplane veered left and impacted a fence. The pilot further reported that he was unsure what caused his inability to see the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA20CA059 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 3, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greer, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- The Flying Few (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ercoupe 415
- N-number
- N87173
- 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.