# NTSB SEA83FU008: Pterodactyl Ptravler, Grants Pass, OR, August 7, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: August 7, 1983, 16:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Grants Pass, OR
- Coordinates: 42.530807, -123.340393 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5308&lon=-123.3404&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): 39642
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA83FU008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39642/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83FU008

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate transition/upgrade training, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - spiral - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ULTRALIGHT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT AFTER A TAKEOFF DURING AIR TAXI PRACTICE. THE TWO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS WERE TAKING TURNS TAXIING THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING INSTRUCTED BY THE OWNER. ONE OF THE PROSPECTS DURING HIS 2ND TAXI RUN BECAME AIRBORNE AND CLIMBED TO AN ALT OF ABOUT 100 FT AGL. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS AIRBORNE A WITNESS HEARD A POWER REDUCTION AND OBSERVED THE VEHICLE START A DESCENDING ROLL TO THE LEFT WHICH CONTINUED UNTIL IMPACT. THE OCCUPANT WAS NOT WEARING A BELT/HARNESS OR ANY HEADGEAR. HE RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES.NEITHER OF THE PROSPECTIVE BUYERS WERE PILOTS NOR DID THEY HAVE ANY ULTRALIGHT EXPERIENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PTERODACTYL PTRAVLER
- Category: Ultralight
- Serial number: 056
- Engines: CUYUNA 430B 30 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 103
- Registered owner: Lewis M. Fleming
- Airport: 3S8, Josephine County, runway 30, 4,000 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: center

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFR, 27 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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