# NTSB CHI83LU013: Kruer Pterodactyl, Wayland, MI, September 17, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: September 17, 1983, 19:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Wayland, MI
- Coordinates: 42.669826, -85.639106 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6698&lon=-85.6391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12368
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LU013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12368/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LU013

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,ignition switch - loose (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING TAKEOFF, THE ENG BACKFIRED & QUIT WHEN THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE WAS APRX 100 FT AGL. HE MADE A RIGHT TURN TO LAND BACK ON THE RWY. HOWEVER, HE STATED THAT A SLIPPING TURN WAS MADE WHICH 'RESULTED IN A STEEP ANGLE OF ATTACK ON LANDING, CAUSING THE NOSE GEAR TO FAIL & THE AIRFRAME TO IMPACT THE GROUND.' THE PLT ALSO STATED THAT THE ON/OFF SWITCH HAD A FAULTY CONNECTION DUE TO VIBRATION WHICH ALLOWED THE ENG TO QUIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: KRUER PTERODACTYL (PTERODACTY)
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: NONE
- Airframe hours: 100
- Engines: CUYUNA ULZ-02 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: William M. Kruer
- Last inspection: AAIP, September 16, 1983, 0 hours before
- Departed: 41C, WAYLAND, MI
- Airport: 41C, Wayland Muni.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: center; flight hours: 100 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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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