NTSB Factual Report

On June 8, 1997, at 1830 eastern daylight time, N94435, an Ercoupe G, was destroyed when it collided with a tree, and descended to the ground during an aborted landing at a private grass strip in Dalton, New York. The private pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local, personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

Witnesses near to the accident site reported that the airplane touched down long, and hard on the 1,320 foot long, private, unmowed turf strip. The pilot attempted to go-around, but the right wing struck a 35-50 foot high tree at the departure end of the runway, and the airplane descended into a field west of the runway.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the airplane touched down to the east about 400 feet beyond the approach end of the turf strip. The Inspector said that the witnesses reported that the pilot pointed the airplane between two trees, but the right wing struck the trees and, "...spun the airplane into the field... ."

According to the FAA, the pilot did not have a current bi-annual. Examination of the wreckage did not disclose any abnormalities with the engine or the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's delay in aborting the landing after allowing the airplane to touchdown long. His failure to attain a proper touchdown point was a related factor.