# NTSB ATL84LU008: Rotec Ralley 2B, Sherrills Ford, NC, September 8, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: September 8, 1984, 18:49 local (22:49 UTC)
- Place: Sherrills Ford, NC
- Coordinates: 35.569252, -80.989013 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5693&lon=-80.9890&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6562
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84LU008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6562/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LU008

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ULTRALIGHT WAS FLYING OVER THE LAKE AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO CUT OUT. THE PLT HAD REPORTEDLY SAID TO A FRIEND BEFORE TAKEOFF THAT THE ENGINE MAY NOT BE RIGHT BUT HE FLEW IT ANYWAY. THE ULTRALIGHT HAD BEEN FLOWN BYTHE PLT 3 HOURS WITHOUT THE FLOATS. THE FLOATS HAD BEEN USED IN ONLY ONE PRIOR FLT AND WERE INSTALLED ON THE ACCIDENT DAY. THE MACHINE HAD JUST TAKEN OFF FROM THE LAKE SHORTLY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. AFTER THE ENGINE CUT OUT, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO NOSE DOWN AND CRASH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROTEC RALLEY 2B
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Engines: CUYUNA TWO CYCLE 35 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Chalmers E Troutman

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 620 total, 4 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 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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