# NTSB DEN84LU008: Weedhopper Unknown, Spanish Fork, UT, July 12, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1984, 19:35 local (Jul 12, 1984, 01:35 UTC)
- Place: Spanish Fork, UT
- Coordinates: 40.019344, -111.550018 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0193&lon=-111.5500&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): 16499
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LU008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16499/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LU008

## Analysis

THE ULTRALIGHT WAS TAKING OFF FROM A STREET WITH OBSTRUCTIONS ON EITHER SIDE. THE PLT SAID THAT DURING THE CLIMBOUT, HE ENCOUNTERED A X-WIND FROM THE NORTH WHICH BLEW HIM INTO A LAMP POST. THE VEHICLE AND POLE WERE DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED TO THE GROUND. THE PLT BROKE HIS LEG IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WEEDHOPPER UNKNOWN
- Category: Ultralight
- Engines: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: John Mark Wendell

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PVU

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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