Engineering and Research 415C N87384

Summary

On 11 April 2009 at about 19:50 local time, a Engineering and Research 415C registered N87384, operated by Randall S Hougham, was involved in an accident near Sandwich, Illinois, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 April 2009 at 19:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Sandwich, Illinois, United States

Nearest airport

Woodlake Airport (IS65)

Coordinates

41.6450, -88.6517

Aircraft

Engineering and Research 415C

Registration

N87384

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Randall S Hougham

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Sandwich → Sandwich

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN09FA243

2 people died.

The pilot's failure to execute an immediate forced landing to a suitable field and the engine's partial loss of power for an undetermined reason.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Numerous witnesses reported that the airplane was flying at a very low altitude just above tree top level as it flew over a small lake and golf course on an easterly heading. The witnesses reported that the engine was sputtering and not operating normally. The airplane hit the tops of some hardwood trees located at the eastern edge of the golf course. The airplane impacted a field in a steep nose down attitude and immediately burst into flames. The inspection of the airframe revealed no preexisting anomalies. The engine inspection revealed drive train continuity and compression on all cylinders. The accessories could not be tested due to impact forces and the post impact fire that consumed much of the engine accessories and airframe. Numerous hardwood tree branches were found at the impact site. Several open fields were located along the flight path that offered suitable landing sites for a forced landing, and that were closer than the field where the airplane was found. Toxicology results were consistent with use of Bupropion, a prescription antidepressant also used for smoking cessation. The medication does not impair flying performance, and though there is an increased risk of seizures with the medication, the circumstances of the accident were not consistent with a seizure event.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.