# NTSB BFO85LA039: Rotec Rally 3, N316SR, Alta Vista, VA, April 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 13, 1985, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Alta Vista, VA
- Coordinates: 37.120494, -79.279647 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1205&lon=-79.2796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11174
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO85LA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11174/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO85LA039

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - flt control syst,wing spoiler system - incorrect (cause)
  - maintenance,adjustment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - loss,total (cause)
  - spoiler extension - inadvertent
- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

EACH TIME THE PILOT APPLIED NOSE UP PITCH CONTROL AFTER TAKE OFF, THE ACFT SETTLED BUT WOULD MAINTAIN STRAIGHT AND LEVEL FLIGHT WHEN THE CONTROLS WERE NEUTRALIZED. DUE TO THE SETTLING EFFECT, OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCE COULD NOT BE ATTAINEDAND THE ACFT SETTLED INTO TREES AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT WAS EJECTED WHEN THE STITCHING OF HIS LAP BELT FAILED. THE ACFT AS PREVIOUSLY FLOWN SUCCESSFULLY SEVERAL TIMES AFTER ASSEMBLY FROM THE MANUFACTURER'S KIT, BUT ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT A 150 LB SAND BAG WAS STRAPPED INTO THE RIGHT SEAT. WITH THE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT, THE SPOILER CABLES TIGHTENED AS THE WINGS PRODUCED LIFT, TO THE POINT THAT THEY INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH APPLICATION OF AFT STICK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N316SR (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROTEC RALLY 3
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 25475
- Airframe hours: 47
- Engines: ROTAX 503 48 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Moral Majority Foundation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Airport: Private Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 7,310 total, 8 in this make and model, 7,310 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LYH, 15 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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