# NTSB LAX83FVG11: Rietman Widget, N3881D, Yreke, CA, May 2, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1983, 10:50 local (17:50 UTC)
- Place: Yreke, CA
- Coordinates: 41.750961, -122.669456 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7510&lon=-122.6695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23569
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FVG11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23569/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FVG11

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - horizontal stabilizer attachment - improper (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - horizontal stabilizer attachment - failure,total (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - stall/spin - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO CLIMB TO ABOUT 7,000-8,000 FT MSL & ENTER A SLOW FLAT SPIN. 8 TURNS WERE COUNTED & THE ACFT DID NOT RECOVER. THE PLT BAILED OUT OF THE ACFT AT ABOUT 500-600 FT BUT THE PARACHUTE DID NOT HAVE TIME TO FULLY DEPLOY. THE RIGHT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER & ELEVATOR HAD BROKEN LOOSE & ONLY FABRIC HELD IT TO THE EMPENNAGE. BOTH THE FORWARD & REAR SPARS WERE BROKEN AT A POINT WHERE THE ATTACHING BOLTS GO THROUGH THE SPARS. THE FORWARD SPAR WAS 1/2 INCH THICK & DRILLED WITH A 1/4 INCH DRILL TO ACCOMMODATE THE 1/4 INCH MOUNTING BOLT. THE HOLE WAS NOT CENTERED IN THE SPAR & THE HOLE HAD RUN OUT THE SIDE OF THE SPAR. THE REAR SPAR WAS 1 INCH THICK & THE 1/4 INCH HOLE WAS ALSO DRILLED OFF-CENTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3881D (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: RIETMAN WIDGET
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 01
- Airframe hours: 7
- Engines: FRANKLIN 2A120B 60 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard H. Rietman
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, April 12, 1983, 7 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 685 total, 7 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19830502018699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830502018699A), May 2, 1983: Amtr WIDGIT, Yreka, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft entered flat spin during test flight. Pilot was unable to recover and attempted bail out too late.

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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