# NTSB NYC85FFJ02: Rotec Engineering Rally 3, N302RE, Constantia, NY, May 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 11, 1985, 19:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Constantia, NY
- Coordinates: 43.250869, -75.999038 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.2509&lon=-75.9990&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35591
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85FFJ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35591/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FFJ02

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - remedial action - initiated, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND PASSENGER IN A RALLY 3 HAD BEEN AIRBORNE FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES WHEN HE EXPERIENCED A ENGINE FAILURE. THE PILOT SET UP FOR A LANDING AND EVENTUALLY GOT THE ENGINE RESTARTED. AFTER FLYING CLOSE TO THE GROUND FOR ABOUT 1/4 MILE HE STARTED CLIMBING AND TURNED ON COURSE. A SECOND ENGINE FAILURE OCCURRED AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO GET A RESTART. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED JUST AS THE PILOT CLEARED A LINE OF TREES APPROXIMATELY 50 FT HIGH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N302RE](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N302RE-2011-04-18), registration cancelled 2011-04-18, S/N 25422 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rotec Engineering, Inc. RALLY 3
- Registry model: [Fitzgerald William RALLY 3](https://openairdocs.org/model/fitzgerald-william-rally-3) (registry code 05675ED) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Engines: ROTAX 503 48 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William J. Fitzgerald
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, May 11, 1985, 0 hours before
- Departed: CONSTANTIA, NY
- Airport: Private Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,050 total, 600 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19850511019809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850511019809A), May 11, 1985: Amtr RALLY3, Constantia, NY, Substantial damage. The engine lost power and ultralight stalled into trees. Pilot continued flight with suspected engine problem.

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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