# NTSB FTW83FU001: Rotec Rally 2B, Manvel, TX, May 8, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1983, 12:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Manvel, TX
- Coordinates: 29.479982, -95.349281 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4800&lon=-95.3493&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): 20769
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83FU001
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20769/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FU001

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - fuselage,attachment - previous damage (cause)
  - maintenance - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuselage,attachment - separation (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD FLOWN THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE TO HIS EMPLOYER'S HOUSE & LANDED IN THE BACK YARD. DURING THE LANDING, THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE WHICH INCLUDED A BENT MAIN LANDING GEAR AXLE, A SHEARED KINGPIN BOLT & A CRACKED TAIL BOOM TO TAILMOUNT SLEEVE. A HARDENED BOLT WAS PURCHASED AT AN AUTOMOTIVE PARTS STORE & PARTIAL REPAIRS WERE MADE; HOWEVER, THE DAMAGE TO THE TAIL BOOM WAS NOT DETECTED. THE ULTRALIGHT WAS PREFLIGHTED & THE PLT TOOK OFF. AFTER CIRCLING ONCE & WAVING, HE STARTED ON THE RETURN FLT. SHORTLY AFTER THAT, WITNESSES HEARD THE ENG SLOW OR STOP AS THE ULTRALIGHT PITCHED NOSE DOWN INTO A STEEP DIVE & CRASHED. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT TAIL BOOM TUBE HAD SEPARATED IN FLT. DURING IMPACT, IT HAD PENETRATED THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER SAIL WITHOUT BENDING. THE LEFT TAIL BOOM WAS BENT DURING IMPACT. A PICTURE OF THE ULTRALIGHT (TAKEN BEFORE TAKEOFF) REVEALED THAT THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER WAS SLIGHTLY ANGLED FROM THE HORIZONTAL AXIS OF THE ULTRALIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROTEC RALLY 2B
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Engines: KOHLER 440 30 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: William J. Garner III
- Destination: ALVIN, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; toxicology performed; flight hours: 10 total, 10 in this make and model, 10 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOU

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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