# NTSB ATL83FU007: Teratorn Tierra II, Dallas, NC, September 18, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: September 18, 1983, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Dallas, NC
- Coordinates: 35.2107, -81.230041 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2107&lon=-81.2300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5984
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83FU007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5984/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FU007

## Sequence of events

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

- Tail gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,tailwheel - failure,partial (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT-IN-COMMAND (PIC) STATED HE WAS TAKING OFF ON A TRAINING FLT WITH A STUDENT, USING A 2 PLACE, ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE RUBBER TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TAILWHEEL & IT BEGAN TO DIG INTO THE AIRSTRIP. THE PIC REPORTED THAT AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE, THE WIND SHIFTED TO A QUARTERING TAIL WIND, AND CONSEQUENTLY HE STEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT TO AVOID HITTING TERRAIN. HOWEVER, THE LEFT MAIN GEAR HIT A DIRT BANK & THE ULTRALIGHT CAME TO REST IN A THICKET. THE PIC WAS REGISTERED WITH AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION AS AN ASF EXAMINER. ALSO, HE WAS DESIGNATED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO GIVE INSTRUCTION IN THE TIERRA II ULTRALIGHT AS REQUIRED BY FAA EXEMPTION 3783. THE PIC HAD LOGGED APRX 25 HRS IN SINGLE ENG LAND ACFT, BUT HAD ACCUMULATED APRX 850 HRS IN ULTRALIGHT VEHICLES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: TERATORN TIERRA II
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 3449761
- Engines: ROTAX 503 48 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 103
- Operator: Ultra Flight Corp.
- Registered owner: James Peeler
- Airport: Lynn Field, runway 36, 600 × 250 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 875 total, 40 in this make and model, 850 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

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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