# NTSB SEA83FU001: Weedhopper 1, Woodinville, WA, March 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: March 15, 1983, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Woodinville, WA
- Coordinates: 47.679435, -122.120368 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6794&lon=-122.1204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39635
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA83FU001
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39635/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83FU001

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - wing,bracing strut - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft handling - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT TOOK OFF IN AN ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE FROM A SOD FIELD. WITNESSES OBSERVED THAT THE RIGHT WING TIP WAS DROPPED DURING THE TAKEOFF. AT APRX 200 FT AGL, THE VEHICLE ENTERED A RIGHT SPIRAL & IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE LOWER, RIGHT WING, LEFT/DRAG STRUT PIN WAS NOT LOCATED AT THE CRASH SCENE. REPORTEDLY, THE PLT HAD COMPLETED FINAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ACFT PRIOR TO THE FLT & THE OWNER HAD CHECKED THAT ALL FITTINGS WERE IN PLACE BEFORE TAKEOFF. THE VEHICLE HAD ACCUMULATED APRX 200 HRS OF OPERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WEEDHOPPER 1
- Category: Ultralight
- Airframe hours: 200
- Engines: ZENOAH 1 23 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Operator: Dale Moyers
- Registered owner: Ted Erb

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: center; flight hours: 150 total, 150 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F

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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