# NTSB FTW84FU003: Ultraclassics Bearcat 150, Abita Springs, LA, February 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: February 19, 1984, 16:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Abita Springs, LA
- Coordinates: 30.469886, -90.029769 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4699&lon=-90.0298&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): 21154
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84FU003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21154/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84FU003

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb
  - aerobatics - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRMAN TOOKOFF FOR A PERSONAL FLT, AND AFTER CIRCLING, MADE A DESENDING HIGH SPEED PASS OVER THE ARPT. HE THEN PULLED THE VEHICLE INTO A CLIMB AND BEGAN A ROLL. ABOUT 2/3 THROUGH THE ROLL, THE VEHICLE'S NOSE DROPPED AND IT DOVE INTO THE GROUND. THE NOSE OF THE VEHICLE IMBEDDED INTO THE DIRT ABOUT 18 INCHES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ULTRACLASSICS BEARCAT 150 (BEARCAT 15)
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0001
- Airframe hours: 35
- Engines: KAWASAKI TA440A 40 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Operator: Wm. C. Auffings
- Registered owner: Jack Hutchinson
- Airport: St. Tammary Parish

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: front; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

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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