# NTSB FTW84FU007: Weedhopper B, Spencer, OK, June 10, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: June 10, 1984, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Spencer, OK
- Coordinates: 35.530593, -97.339385 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5306&lon=-97.3394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21157
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84FU007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21157/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84FU007

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - flt control syst,aileron control - lack of
  - compensation for wind conditions - not possible, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRMAN TOOK OFF ON A WINDY DAY AND BEGAN TO HAVE DIFFICULTY CONTROLING HIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE HAD A 34 FT SOARING WING WITH NO AILERONS. THE PILOT DECIDED TO LAND AND WAIT FOR BETTER FLYING CONDITIONS. DURING THE LANDING, A WING DROPPED AND BEFORE THE RUDDER COULD AFFECT A RECOVERY THE WING TIP HIT AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE FAILED TO REVEAL ANY EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WEEDHOPPER B
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 463
- Airframe hours: 10
- Engines: Chotia B 25 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Harvey Horton

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: front

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: WPA, 10 nm away

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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