# NTSB DEN83FTE13: Eipper Quicksilver MX 11, N4412L, Erie, CO, September 25, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: September 25, 1983, 11:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Erie, CO
- Coordinates: 40.020393, -105.039741 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0204&lon=-105.0397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16016
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83FTE13
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16016/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83FTE13

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT OF THE 2 PLACE, ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE STATED THAT HE WAS DEMONSTRATING A POWER OFF GLIDE WHEN A SEVERE SINK DEVELOPED. HE APPLIED FULL POWER; HOWEVER, HE WAS UNABLE TO ARREST THE DESCENT PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE WIND WAS VARIABLE AT 5 GUSTING 10 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4412L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4412L-2013-04-17), registration cancelled 2013-04-17, S/N 1335, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: EIPPER QUICKSILVER MX 11 (QUICKSILVE)
- Registry model: [Anderson James J QUICKSILVER MX II](https://openairdocs.org/model/anderson-james-j-quicksilver-mx-ii) (registry code 056758D) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1335
- Airframe hours: 195
- Engines: ROTAX 503 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Feathaire Aviation
- Registered owner: James J. Anderson
- Last inspection: Annual, September 20, 1983, 12 hours before
- Departed: 48V, ERIE, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 480 total, 110 in this make and model, 340 as pilot in command, 145 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830925051779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830925051779A), Sep 25, 1983: Amtr QUICKSILVER, Erie, CO, Substantial damage. Pilot reported a high sink rate caused him to crash in an open field while demonstrating glide angle to a buyer.

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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