Primary finding
Probable cause
Partial power loss during approach for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on approach, at the completion of a flight a from a local airport to the pilot's private airstrip, the engine lost partial power and the pilot conducted a forced landing short of his destination. No mechanical failure or malfunction could be identified and the amount of fuel on board at the time of the accident could not be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 29, 1993, at 1142 mountain daylight time, a Ercoupe 415-C, N522BK, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in a field, while on approach to a private airstrip near Palisade, Colorado. The private pilot received minor injuries, and his passenger no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this local area personal flight and no flight plan was filed. According to the pilot, during the approach to his private airstrip, the engine decelerated to approximately 2,000 rpm and he could not remain airborne. During landing roll, following the forced landing, the nose gear collapsed and the forward part of the fuselage was damaged. Examination of the aircraft by FAA personnel failed to disclose any mechanical failure or malfunction. The amount of fuel on board the aircraft at the time of the accident could not be determined. -