# NTSB SEA85FA228: Teratorn Tierra II, Post Falls, ID, September 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1985, 11:19 local (18:19 UTC)
- Place: Post Falls, ID
- Coordinates: 47.780185, -117.0205 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.7802&lon=-117.0205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40065
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40065/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA228

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - wing,spar - previous damage (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - wing,spar - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,major repair - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED THE TERRAIN IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT FOLLOWING AN INFLT SEPARATION OF THE LEFT WING. A WITNESS STATED THE LEFT WING SEPARATED AS THE ACFT WAS BEING MANEUVERED IN A RACE TRACK PATTERN USING BANK ANGLES OF 45 DEGS. THE WIFE OF THE ACFT OWNER REPORTED THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED DURING AN INSTRUCTIONAL FLT ON THE PREVIOUS DAY. THE LEFT WING AND LANDING GEAR WERE REPORTEDLY DAMAGED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE ACFT WAS SAID TO HAVE BEEN REPAIRED THAT AFTERNOON. HOWEVER, NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND TO SUGGEST THE FABRIC ON THE WING WAS REMOVED FOR INSPECTION OF STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. IT WAS NOT DETERMINED IF THE FLIGHT WAS FOR PERSONAL OR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: TERATORN TIERRA II
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Engines: ROTAX 532 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Dale A. Carter, doing business as Custom Toys, Inc.
- Registered owner: Arlan F. Schuttemeier
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: LIBERTY LAKE, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 700 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: COE, 10 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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