# NTSB MKC83FU002: Weedhopper JC-24C, 5n Battle Creek, NE, May 21, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 20, 1983, 19:30 local (May 21, 1983, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: 5n Battle Creek, NE
- Coordinates: 41.990749, -97.58908 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9907&lon=-97.5891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33358
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83FU002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33358/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FU002

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, unknown
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD ASSEMBLED & FLOWN THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE DURING THE PREVIOUS SUMMER. THIS WAS HIS 1ST FLT AFTER REMOVING IT FROM WINTER STORAGE. HE WAS OBSERVED PREFLIGHTING THE VEHICLE BEFORE TAKEOFF. AT ABOUT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, A GROUND WITNESS HEARD THE ULTRALIGHT FLY OVER, BUT NO KNOWN EYE WITNESSES SAW THE VEHICLE CRASH. DURING THE ACCIDENT, IT IMPACTED IN AN OPEN PASTURE IN A STEEP NOSE DOWN, LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE. THERE WAS LITTLE MOVEMENT AFTER IMPACT & 1 PROPELLER BLADE WAS SHATTERED. APRX 3 GAL OF FUEL WAS REMAINING IN THE FUEL TANK. THE PLT'S TOTAL FLT TIME WAS NOT DETERMINED. ACCORDING TO HIS FATHER, THE PLT CONDUCTED FLTS OVER HIS FARM TO OBSERVE HIS CROPS & CATTLE. THE FLT CONTROLS CONSISTED OF AN ELEVATOR PUSH-PULL ROD & RUDDER CABLES THAT WERE ATTACHED TO A 'JOY STICK.' THE ULTRALIGHT WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AILERONS OR SPOILERS FOR ROLL CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WEEDHOPPER JC-24C
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1943
- Engines: CHOTIA TM 460 25 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: John H. Wacker
- Airport: runway 9, 1,000 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ORF, 8 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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