CHI83FU009
NTSB Identification: CHI83FU009 .
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 21899.
Accident occurred Saturday, August 20, 1983 in ST. JOSEPH, IL
Aircraft: WEEDHOPPER B, registration: NONE
Injuries: 1 Fatal.

THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AFTER THE LEFT WING FOLDED UP AT ABOUT 1000 FT AGL. WITNESSES SAID THE ULTRALIGHT WAS TRAVELING EAST WHEN THE WING COLLAPSED OR FOLDED BACK. REPORTEDLY, IT PITCHED UP & THE RIGHT WING TIP WENT UP. THE VEHICLE THEN PITCHED DOWN AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AFTER A ONE TURN SPIN. THE TANG THAT ATTACHED THE LEFT FORWARD WING STRUT TO THE LEADING EDGE OF THE WING WAS BROKEN. THE ALUMINUM STRAP WAS EXAMINED. IT EXHIBITED 94 PERCENT FATIGUE FAILURE WHEN SEPARATION OCCURRED. THE PILOT HAD BEEN GIVEN NEW TANGS MADE OF STEEL FOR THE ACFT. THESE TANGS WERE NOT INSTALLED.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:

MAINTENANCE,MODIFICATION..NOT PERFORMED..PILOT IN COMMAND
WING,WING ATTACHMENT FITTING..FATIGUE
WING,WING ATTACHMENT FITTING..FAILURE,TOTAL

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