# NTSB FTW84LA271: Rotec Engineering Rally 3A, N94RE, Amarillo, TX, June 9, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 9, 1984, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Amarillo, TX
- Coordinates: 35.140625, -101.879165 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1406&lon=-101.8792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21367
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA271
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21367/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA271

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - climb - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Altitude deviation,uncontrolled, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

AT 20 TO 30 FT AGL AFTER A SOUTHERLY TAKEOFF, ACFT BEGAN TO LOSE ALT. PLT ATTEMPTED REMEDIAL ACTION BUT COULD NOT ARREST THE SINK RATE. ACFT COLLIDED WITH GROUND IN A NOSE-LOW RT WING ATTITUDE. WITNESSES STATED, WINDS WERE PRIMARILY FROM WEST BUT VERY GUSTY AND VARIABLE. DENSITY ALT WAS APRX 6,800 FT MSL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N94RE (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Rotec Engineering, Inc. RALLY 3A
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 25076
- Airframe hours: 75
- Engines: ROTAX UNKNOWN 48 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William R. Martin
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: AMARILLO, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 720 total, 5 in this make and model, 610 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19840609023599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840609023599A), Jun 9, 1984: Amtr RALLY3A, Amarillo, TX, Substantial damage. Unable to stay airborne after liftoff, impacted ground. High density altitude, turbulence and gusty winds factors.

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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