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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 21, 1983 · Weedhopper JC-24C · UNREG

5N Battle Creek, NE

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 21, 1983
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
5N Battle Creek, NE
Aircraft
Weedhopper JC-24C
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC83FU002

THE PLT HAD ASSEMBLED & FLOWN THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE DURING THE PREVIOUS SUMMER. THIS WAS HIS 1ST FLT AFTER REMOVING IT FROM WINTER STORAGE. HE WAS OBSERVED PREFLIGHTING THE VEHICLE BEFORE TAKEOFF. AT ABOUT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, A GROUND WITNESS HEARD THE ULTRALIGHT FLY OVER, BUT NO KNOWN EYE WITNESSES SAW THE VEHICLE CRASH. DURING THE ACCIDENT, IT IMPACTED IN AN OPEN PASTURE IN A STEEP NOSE DOWN, LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE. THERE WAS LITTLE MOVEMENT AFTER IMPACT & 1 PROPELLER BLADE WAS SHATTERED. APRX 3 GAL OF FUEL WAS REMAINING IN THE FUEL TANK. THE PLT'S TOTAL FLT TIME WAS NOT DETERMINED. ACCORDING TO HIS FATHER, THE PLT CONDUCTED FLTS OVER HIS FARM TO OBSERVE HIS CROPS & CATTLE. THE FLT CONTROLS CONSISTED OF AN ELEVATOR PUSH-PULL ROD & RUDDER CABLES THAT WERE ATTACHED TO A 'JOY STICK.' THE ULTRALIGHT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AILERONS OR SPOILERS FOR ROLL CONTROL.

Full Narrative

THE PLT HAD ASSEMBLED & FLOWN THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE DURING THE PREVIOUS SUMMER. THIS WAS HIS 1ST FLT AFTER REMOVING IT FROM WINTER STORAGE. HE WAS OBSERVED PREFLIGHTING THE VEHICLE BEFORE TAKEOFF. AT ABOUT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, A GROUND WITNESS HEARD THE ULTRALIGHT FLY OVER, BUT NO KNOWN EYE WITNESSES SAW THE VEHICLE CRASH. DURING THE ACCIDENT, IT IMPACTED IN AN OPEN PASTURE IN A STEEP NOSE DOWN, LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE. THERE WAS LITTLE MOVEMENT AFTER IMPACT & 1 PROPELLER BLADE WAS SHATTERED. APRX 3 GAL OF FUEL WAS REMAINING IN THE FUEL TANK. THE PLT'S TOTAL FLT TIME WAS NOT DETERMINED. ACCORDING TO HIS FATHER, THE PLT CONDUCTED FLTS OVER HIS FARM TO OBSERVE HIS CROPS & CATTLE. THE FLT CONTROLS CONSISTED OF AN ELEVATOR PUSH-PULL ROD & RUDDER CABLES THAT WERE ATTACHED TO A 'JOY STICK.' THE ULTRALIGHT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AILERONS OR SPOILERS FOR ROLL CONTROL.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm W
Runway9
Runway Length1000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWeedhopper JC-24C
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryUltr
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 103
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsChotia · TM 460 · Reciprocating · 25
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:48
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data