# NTSB SEA83FA142: Vans-Rupert RV-4, N444RV, Marshall, WA, July 6, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1983, 20:20 local (Jul 6, 1983, 03:20 UTC)
- Place: Marshall, WA
- Coordinates: 47.56052, -117.500007 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.5605&lon=-117.5000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39622
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA83FA142
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39622/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83FA142

## Analysis

THE FLT WAS TO TEST A NEWLY INSTALLED AIRSPEED INDICATOR. A PASSENGER WHO WENT ON THE FLT SURVIVED THE ACCIDENT AND SAIDTHE PILOT HAD DONE AN AILERON ROLL FROM 4000 FT MSL (ABOUT 1700 FT AGL) AND HAD BUFFETED AND LOST ALT DURING RECOVERY. AFTER A HIGH SPEED PASS OVER THE ARPT THE PILOT CLIMBED TO ABOUT 3000 FT MSL DID A 180 DEGREE TURN. HE DID ANOTHER AILERON ROLL AND WHEN THE ACFT CAME OUT OF IT A BUFFET OCCURRED AND THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND BEFORE RECOVERY WAS COMPLETED. IT COULD NOT BE ESTABLISHED THAT THE PILOT HAD ANY AEROBATIC TRAINING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N444RV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N444RV-2018-03-23), registration cancelled 2018-03-23, S/N 3191 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: VANS-RUPERT RV-4
- Registry model: [Burson Lloyd R RV4](https://openairdocs.org/model/burson-lloyd-r-rv4) (registry code 056226N) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 227
- Airframe hours: 34
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary F. Rupert
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: AAIP, May 26, 1983, 13 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 34 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19830705028449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830705028449A), Jul 5, 1983: Amtrvn VANSRV4, Marshall, WA, Destroyed. Rolled aircraft. Was unable to recover in time to prevent a crash. Pilot unskilled in aerobatics. Stalled in roll.

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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