# NTSB NYC83LA166: Rotec/Botsford Rally 3, N104RE, Kirkville, NY, July 4, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1983, 20:10 local (Jul 4, 1983, 00:10 UTC)
- Place: Kirkville, NY
- Coordinates: 43.070442, -75.949485 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0704&lon=-75.9495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35222
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC83LA166
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35222/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83LA166

## 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 - final approach
  - reduction gear assy - other (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories - inoperative (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE 2 PLACE ULTRALIGHT ACFT WAS ON FINAL APCH TO LAND WHEN THE PROPELLER BEGAN TO FREEWHEEL ON THE PROPELLER SHAFT. THE ENG CONTINUED TO OPERATE & RESPOND TO THROTTLE INPUTS, BUT THE PROPELLER DID NOT PRODUCE THRUST. THE ULTRALIGHT BEGAN TO LOSE ALTITUDE RAPIDLY & THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE ARPT. DURING A FORCED LANDING, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH SWAMP ADLER TREES. REPORTEDLY, THE CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH DRUM, WHICH CONNECTED THE PROPELLER TO THE ENG, WAS INSTALLED USING THE PROPER BONDING COMPOUND. THE SLIPPAGE OCCURRED ON THE REDUCTION DRIVE ASSEMBLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N104RE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N104RE-2002-11-22), registration cancelled 2002-11-22, S/N 25165, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROTEC/BOTSFORD RALLY 3
- Registry model: [Ultrlte A/C Of Syracuse NY ROTEC RALLY 3A](https://openairdocs.org/model/ultrlte-a-c-of-syracuse-ny-rotec-rally-3a) (registry code 05675AF) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Serial number: 25165
- Airframe hours: 72
- Engines: ROTAX 50 50 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Timothy L. Botsford
- Last inspection: Annual, May 8, 1983
- Departed: NY31, KIRKVILLE, NY
- Airport: NY31, Kirkville, runway 27, 1,800 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 215 total, 72 in this make and model, 157 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SYR, 7 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 19830703075479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830703075479A), Jul 3, 1983: Amtr RALLY3A, Kirkville, NY, Substantial damage. The propeller became decoupled on final approach. The aircraft struck trees during landing. Faulty coupling design.

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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