# NTSB CHI84FU008: Mattison MAC Ultralight, Three Lakes, WI, July 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1984, 09:35 local (14:35 UTC)
- Place: Three Lakes, WI
- Coordinates: 45.789512, -89.159996 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.7895&lon=-89.1600&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): 12437
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84FU008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12437/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84FU008

## 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 - final approach
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate initial training, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper descent rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - pull-up - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE RECENTLY PURCHASED ULTRALIGHT WAS TAXIED FOR ABOUT 40 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE NEW OWNER TRYING HIS FIRST FLT. HE HAD BEEN ADVISED BY THE FORMER OWNER TO MAKE SHORT HOPS AT LOW ALTITUDE DURING A FAMILIARIZATION PERIOD. THE FORMER OWNER WANTED TO BE PRESENT FOR THIS PERIOD BECAUSE THE NEW OWNER HAD NO AVIATION EXPERIENCE. THE NEW OWNER TOOK OFF ON HIS FIRST FLT WITHOUT THE INSTRUCTION OF THE SHORT HOP PERIOD OF FAMILIARIZATION. THE TAKEOFF WENT OK AND THE ULTRALIGHT PROCEEDED DOWNWIND TO BASE IN A CONTROLLED LEVEL FLT. THE TURN TO FINAL APPROACH WAS OVERSHOT AND THE ULTRALIGHT ANGLED BACK TO 40 DEG OFF THE RWY HEADING. OVER A TREE HE WAS HEARD TO THROTTLE BACK TO DESCEND, THEN TO ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE. AT THIS TIME THE ULTRALIGHT WAS SEEN TO NOSE DOWN & DIVE INTO THE GROUND FROM ABOUT 100 FT AGL AT AN ANGLE OF ABOUT 30 DEGREES. THE ACFT WAS DESTROYED AND THE PLT FATALLY INJURED ON IMPACT. THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND RUN AT VARIOUS POWER SETTINGS FOR 10 MINUTES IN A TEST AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MATTISON MAC ULTRALIGHT (MAC ULTRAL)
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Engines: KAWASAKI TA340A 40 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Patrick R. Maney
- Airport: 40D, Three Lakes Mu., runway 3, 3,760 × 120 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.