Probable cause
A loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that while en route on the solo cross-country flight, the engine began to lose power and subsequently quit. He was able to restart the engine, but not able to maintain altitude due to the low power it was producing. The pilot performed an off airport landing and during the landing roll, the airplane struck desert vegetation, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident inspection of the engine revealed no mechanical problems that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA251 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 15, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Manuel, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Private Dirt Strip
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ercoupe 415C
- N-number
- N2339H
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.