# NTSB ATL91FA006: Olsen-Gordon Veri EZE, N9327A, Hohenwald, TN, October 21, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 21, 1990, 08:20 local (13:20 UTC)
- Place: Hohenwald, TN
- Coordinates: 35.549106, -87.549613 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5491&lon=-87.5496&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8294
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91FA006
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8294/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91FA006

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE LEFT RUDDER CONTROL CABLE WHICH RENDERED THE AIRPLANE UNCONTROLLABLE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - flt control syst,rudder - failure,total (cause)
  - flt control syst,rudder control cable/rod - worn (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING HIS FIRST FLIGHT IN N9327A WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND CRASHED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. ON OCTOBER 5, 1990, THE FAA ISSUED AN EXPERIMENTAL AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE TO N9327A; THIS WAS THE SECOND CERTIFICATE ISSUED IN 11 YEARS. BETWEEN THESE TWO DATES, THERE WAS NO RECORD OF AN INSPECTION BEING COMPLETED NOR WAS ONE REQUIRED. AFTER A ROCKY TAKEOFF, THE PILOT MANAGED TO COMPLETE A TRAFFIC PATTERN AND WAS ON FNAL APPROACH WHEN HE LOST CONTROL. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE LEFT RUDDER CABLE WAS WORN ABOUT 50% THROUGH ITS DIAMETER. THE CABLE FAILED AT A POINT WHERE THE FIBERGLASS MATERIAL COVERED A PORTION OF THE CABLE. THE EXACT FLIGHT TIME ON THE AIRFRAME WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9327A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9327A-1991-07-12), registration cancelled 1991-07-12, S/N 1221 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: OLSEN-GORDON VERI EZE
- Registry model: [Olsen-Gordon VERI EZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/olsen-gordon-veri-eze) (registry code 05609L2) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1221
- Airframe hours: 40
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Creel, Rodney J.
- Last inspection: Unknown, October 5, 1990, 0 hours before
- Airport: OM3, Baker Field, runway 20, 4,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 530 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BNA, 50 nm away

## 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 19901021046499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901021046499A), Oct 21, 1990: Amtrru VARIEZELONG, Hohenwald, TN, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Erratic flight actions on first flight in homebuilt. Rolled on adding power low final. Worn rudder cable broken.

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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