# NTSB ATL86LA248: Ellis VARI-EZE, N547EZ, Wilkesboro, NC, September 6, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 1986, 13:26 local (17:26 UTC)
- Place: Wilkesboro, NC
- Coordinates: 36.140769, -81.160003 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1408&lon=-81.1600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7184
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA248
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7184/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA248

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, descent - normal
  - fuel system,carburetor - jammed (cause)
  - throttle/power lever,bellcrank - worn (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT SAID HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A GO AROUND DUE TO OTHER ACFT ON THE RWY. WHEN THROTTLE WAS ADVANCED ENGINE REMAINED AT IDLE POWER. PLT ELECTED TO LAND IN CORN FIELD AT END OF RWY. ON LANDING ROLL ACFT NOSED OVER INVERTED. LATER EXAM OF ENGINE SHOWED THROTTLE ARM WORN WHICH WEDGED ARM IN IDLE POSITION. THROTTLE SPRING COULD NOT OVERCOME WEDGED POSITION TO PULL THROTTLE ARM TO FULLY OPEN POSITION. PLT ACC REPORT NOT COMPLETE FOR FLT TIME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N547EZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N547EZ-1993-03-08), registration cancelled 1993-03-08, S/N 228 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ELLIS VARI-EZE
- Registry model: [Ellis Earl E VARI-EZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/ellis-earl-e-vari-eze) (registry code 05609FW) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 228
- Airframe hours: 175
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James W. Coleman
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1986, 10 hours before
- Departed: GALLIPOLIS, OH
- Destination: CDN, CAMDEN, SC
- Airport: IKB, Wilkes County, runway 24, 4,250 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; flight hours: 10 in this make and model, 17 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point -0 °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 19860906045089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860906045089A), Sep 6, 1986: Amtrru VARIEZE, Wilkesboro, NC, Substantial damage. The engine failed to respond on final approach and the aircraft landed in a cornfield. Throttle arm found worn.

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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