# NTSB LAX83FU002: Rotec Rally 2B, Le Grand, CA, April 17, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: April 17, 1983, 15:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Le Grand, CA
- Coordinates: 37.250778, -120.199417 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2508&lon=-120.1994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23523
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FU002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23523/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FU002

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fuselage,seat - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

REPORTEDLY, THE PLT TOOK OFF & LANDED IN A DAIRY PASTURE WITH NO APPARENT DIFFICULTIES. HE THEN TOOK OFF AGAIN ON AN EASTERLY HEADING. AFTER TAKEOFF, HE TURNED TO A MODIFIED CROSSWIND/DOWNWIND PATTERN & WAS PROCEEDING IN A NORTHWESTERLY DIRECTION. REPORTEDLY, AFTER REACHING AN ALT OF APRX 125 FT AGL, THE VEHICLE ENTERED A NOSE DOWN, WINGS LEVEL ATTITUDE & BEGAN DESCENDING. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED DESCENDING UNTIL COLLIDING WITH THE GROUND. NO EVASIVE ACTION WAS OBSERVED NO PREIMPACT/MECHANICAL FAILURE WAS VERIFIED; HOWEVER, THE PLT'S SEAT WAS FOUND SEPARATED FROM ITS FORWARD & REAR ATTACH FITTINGS. SPEED TAPE HAD BEEN USED TO ATTACH THE SEAT SUPPORT TUBES TO THE MAIN FRAME & WAS FOUND BROKEN. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT APRX 10 DAYS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, THE PLT WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY IN GETTING THE VEHICLE TOFLY. HE HAD CONFERRED WITH A ROTEC REP & WAS TOLD THE CG WAS TOO FAR FORWARD & TO MOVE THE SEAT APRX 2 INCHES AFT. THE PLT REMOVED THE BOLTS THAT CONNECTED THE SEAT, BUT DID NOT REINSTALL THEM, INSTEAD, HE USED 'SPEED TAPE.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ROTEC RALLY 2B
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: NONE
- Airframe hours: 1
- Engines: CUYUNA 430R 35 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: John E. Price
- Last inspection: Unknown, April 16, 1983

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 88 total, 3 in this make and model, 62 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft unknown
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MER, 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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