# NTSB ATL83FU005: Weedhopper JC-24, Wiggins, MS, August 16, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 16, 1983, 18:55 local (23:55 UTC)
- Place: Wiggins, MS
- Coordinates: 30.86063, -89.130516 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.8606&lon=-89.1305&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5982
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83FU005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5982/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FU005

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,shoulder harness - lack of (contributing factor)
  - fuselage,crew compartment - lack of
  - elevator - inadvertent use, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

REPORTEDLY, THE NON-RATED PLT HAD NO PREVIOUS FLT EXPERIENCE, BUT WAS BRIEFED ON THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE'S OPERATION, CONTROL RESPONSE & OTHER ASPECTS, AS WELL AS THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, DIRECTION, ETC. DURING TAKEOFF, THE ULTRALIGHT ENTEREDA DIVE AFTER CLIMBING 30 TO 40 FT, BUT THE PLT LEVELED OFF JUST ABOVE THE RWY & CONTINUED CLIMBING IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN TO APRX 300 FT. A WITNESS STATED THAT ON THE DOWNWIND LEG, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ENTERED A STEEP NOSEDOWN DIVE & CRASHED. HE OBSERVED NO WING ROCKING, NO TURN & NO ROLLING OR YAWING. DURING AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE, NO PREIMPACT, MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION/FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A SHOULDER HARNESS, THE SEAT BACK WAS NOT RIGID, THE ONLY FOOT/LEG SUPPORT WAS A TUBE EXTENDING EITHER SIDE OF THE NOSEWHEEL WITH NO HEEL CUP. THE SINGLE FLT CONTROL OPERATED THE RUDDER & ELEVATOR (NO AILERONS WERE INSTALLED). FORE & AFT MOVEMENT OF THE CONTROL WOULD PROVIDE NOSE DOWN & NOSE UP RESPONSE OF THE ELEVATOR. LEFT & RIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE CONTROL WOULD PROVIDE LEFT & RIGHT RUDDER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WEEDHOPPER JC-24
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1308
- Airframe hours: 60
- Engines: Chotia 460-B 25 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Angus L. Catchot, Sr.
- Departed: MS06, WIGGINS, MS
- Airport: MS06, Dean Griffin, runway 17, 3,000 × 50 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: front; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MOB, 48 nm away

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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