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NTSB Report
April 9, 1983 · Wizard J-3 · UNREG
Wetumpka, AL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 9, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wetumpka, AL
Aircraft
Wizard J-3
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL83FU001
THE PLT REPORTED HAVING ABOUT 0.4 HOUR OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS NEW ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE. THE NOSEWHEEL OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STEERABLE & THERE WERE NO BRAKES ON THE MAIN GEAR. THEREFORE, THE PLT RELIED ON THE RUDDER FOR GROUND STEERING. AT SLOW SPEED, AIR FROM THE PROPELLER WAS NECESSARY FOR TURNING. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A LEAF SPRING BRAKE ON THE NOSEWHEEL. THE MISHAP OCCURRED DURING TAXI PRACTICE. WHILE THE PLT WAS TAXIING BACK TO A GROUP OF BYSTANDERS, HE REPORTEDLY FOUND HIMSELF IN A SITUATION WHERE HE COULD NOT STOP IN TIME TO AVOID A PARKED CAR. HE ADDED POWER IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET MORE RUDDER RESPONSE FOR TURNING. HOWEVER, THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ROOM TO TURN SUCCESSFULLY. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ULTRALIGHT STRUCK THE CAR & A BYSTANDER. THE CAR RECEIVED MINOR DAMAGE & THE BYSTANDER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED HAVING ABOUT 0.4 HOUR OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS NEW ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE. THE NOSEWHEEL OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STEERABLE & THERE WERE NO BRAKES ON THE MAIN GEAR. THEREFORE, THE PLT RELIED ON THE RUDDER FOR GROUND STEERING. AT SLOW SPEED, AIR FROM THE PROPELLER WAS NECESSARY FOR TURNING. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A LEAF SPRING BRAKE ON THE NOSEWHEEL. THE MISHAP OCCURRED DURING TAXI PRACTICE. WHILE THE PLT WAS TAXIING BACK TO A GROUP OF BYSTANDERS, HE REPORTEDLY FOUND HIMSELF IN A SITUATION WHERE HE COULD NOT STOP IN TIME TO AVOID A PARKED CAR. HE ADDED POWER IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET MORE RUDDER RESPONSE FOR TURNING. HOWEVER, THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ROOM TO TURN SUCCESSFULLY. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ULTRALIGHT STRUCK THE CAR & A BYSTANDER. THE CAR RECEIVED MINOR DAMAGE & THE BYSTANDER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 CST
Nearest AirportWetumpka Municipal (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWizard J-3
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryUltr
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 103
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsKawasaki · UNKNOWN · Reciprocating · 40
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 3 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point1 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO