# NTSB MKC83FA172: Rotec Engineering Rally 3, N3915C, Council Bluffs, IA, August 1, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1983, 20:20 local (Aug 1, 1983, 01:20 UTC)
- Place: Council Bluffs, IA
- Coordinates: 41.240604, -95.850578 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2406&lon=-95.8506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33343
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83FA172
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33343/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FA172

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

OWNER/PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS GIVING 'FLIGHT TIME AND GROUND INSTRUCTION TO ANOTHER ULTRALIGHT OWNER.' THE INSTRUCTOR ALLOWED THE STUDENT TO CO-OPERATE THE CONTROLS AND DID THREE TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. ON THE THIRD LANDING A DEAD STICK LANDING WAS INITIATED. THE LANDING FLARE WAS NOT EFFECTIVE AND A HARD LANDING RESULTED. DURING THE LANDING, THE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DAMAGED FURTHER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3915C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3915C-1989-03-03), registration cancelled 1989-03-03, S/N 25150 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rotec Engineering, Inc. RALLY 3
- Registry model: [Abbott Mark D ROTEC RALLY 3](https://openairdocs.org/model/abbott-mark-d-rotec-rally-3) (registry code 0567528) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Ultralight
- Serial number: 25150
- Airframe hours: 23
- Engines: ROTAX 503 42 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mark Dan Abbott
- Last inspection: Annual, May 30, 1983, 23 hours before
- Airport: CBF, Council Bluffs Municipal, runway 35, 3,000 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 250 total, 23 in this make and model, 225 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OMA, 6 nm away

## 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 19830731041459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830731041459A), Jul 31, 1983: Amtr RALLY3, Council Bluffs, IA, Substantial damage. During instruction, flight dead stick landing was attempted resulting in hard landing and substantial damage.

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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