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NTSB Report
August 21, 1985 · Advanced Technology Predator 480 Predator 4 · N480AG
Welsh, LA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Welsh, LA
Aircraft
Advanced Technology Predator 480 Predator 4
Tail Number
N480AG
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW85FRD03
THE ACFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB. THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 20 FT AGL, THE ACFT ROLLED 20 TO 25 DEGS TO THE RIGHT. AFTER CORRECTING FOR THE ROLL, THE PLT STATED, THE ACFT SETTLED TO GROUND IMPACT. WITNESSES REPORTED THE GRASS AIRSTRIP USED FOR TAKEOFF CONTAINED 7 TO 8 INCH HIGH GRASS AND IT WAS WET FROM A 2 INCH RAINFALL ON THE PREVIOUS DAY. A SLIGHT QUARTERING TAILWIND WAS ALSO REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN PRESENT AT THE TIME.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB. THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 20 FT AGL, THE ACFT ROLLED 20 TO 25 DEGS TO THE RIGHT. AFTER CORRECTING FOR THE ROLL, THE PLT STATED, THE ACFT SETTLED TO GROUND IMPACT. WITNESSES REPORTED THE GRASS AIRSTRIP USED FOR TAKEOFF CONTAINED 7 TO 8 INCH HIGH GRASS AND IT WAS WET FROM A 2 INCH RAINFALL ON THE PREVIOUS DAY. A SLIGHT QUARTERING TAILWIND WAS ALSO REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN PRESENT AT THE TIME.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:05 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAdvanced Technology Predator 480 Predator 4
Tail NumberN480AG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-720-C1BD · Reciprocating · 400
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 36 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT