# NTSB DEN83FU003: Weedhopper Unknown, Powell, WY, August 28, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 28, 1983, 07:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Powell, WY
- Coordinates: 44.789142, -108.730705 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7891&lon=-108.7307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16026
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83FU003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16026/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83FU003

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - wing,wing attachment bolt - separation (cause)
  - wing,bracing strut - disconnected (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE CRASHED IN A CORN FIELD WHILE ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLT. IT IMPACTED THE SOFT GROUND IN A NOSE DOWN, VERTICAL ATTITUDE. THE ENGINE BURIED ITSELF TO A DEPTH OF 18 INCHES. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE AIRFRAME REVEALEDTHAT A BOLT WITH A SELF LOCKING NUT WAS MISSING FROM WHERE THE TWO RIGHT WING SUPPORT STRUTS ATTACH TO THE RIGHT MAIN WHEEL AXEL. THE FORWARD STRUT SUPPORT BRACE INDICATED A PRONOUNCED BENDING. THE ANGLE BRACE THAT CONNECTED THE SUPPORT BRACE TO THE AIRFRAME WAS ALSO FOUND BENT. A SEARCH FOR THE MISSING BOLT AND NUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WEEDHOPPER UNKNOWN
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Airframe hours: 15
- Engines: CHOTIA 1 25 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Michael K. Herd

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 15 total, 15 in this make and model, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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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