# NTSB BFO95LA021: Elvin N. Kier Varieze, N59MW, Cleveland, OH, December 14, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 14, 1994, 17:09 local (22:09 UTC)
- Place: Cleveland, OH
- Coordinates: 41.489315, -81.670761 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4893&lon=-81.6708&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 5, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9023
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO95LA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9023/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95LA021

## Probable cause

A FATIGUE CRACK IN THE RIGHT ELEVATOR TORQUE TUBE RESULTING IN THE DISCONNECTION OF THE ELEVATOR TORQUE TUBES AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - flight control,elevator attachment - fatigue (cause)
  - flight control,elevator attachment - disconnected (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE WENT INTO A LEFT BANK.  PILOT CONTROL INPUT WOULD NOT CORRECT THE BANKING.  THE AIRPLANE MADE TWO COMPLETE CIRCLES AND THEN IMPACTED TERRAIN ABOUT 1/4 MILE PAST THE END OF THE DEPARTED RUNWAY. POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THE ELEVATOR TORQUE TUBES, CONNECTED BY A BOLT, WERE DISCONNECTED. THE RIGHT ELEVATOR WAS JAMMED IN THE DOWN POSITION.  EXAMINATION OF THE TORQUE TUBES REVEALED THE RIGHT ELEVATOR TORQUE TUBE HAD A FATIGUE CRACK AROUND THE BOLT HOLE AREA ALLOWING IT TO DISCONNECT FROM THE LEFT ELEVATOR TORQUE TUBE.

## Factual narrative

On December 14, 1994, at 1709 eastern standard time, a homebuilt Varieze, N59MW, impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from runway 10 at the Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport.  The pilot received minor injuries.  The airplane was destroyed.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The local personnel flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported that during takeoff climb the airplane banked left and surface control inputs would not correct the banking.  He stated the airplane made two complete turns before it impacted terrain.  The airplane crashed about 1/4 of a mile north of the airport.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the elevator torque tubes, connected by a bolt, were disconnected.  The right elevator was jammed in the down position.  Examination of the torque tubes revealed the right elevator torque tube had a fatigue crack around the bolt hole area.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N59MW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N59MW-2013-03-19), registration cancelled 2013-03-19, S/N 618, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ELVIN N. KIER VARIEZE
- Registry model: [Kier VARIEZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/kier-varieze) (registry code 0560937) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 618
- Airframe hours: 720
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: White, Macey
- Registered owner: White, Macey
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1994, 15 hours before
- Destination: OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 612 total, 333 in this make and model, 526 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft broken
- Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CLE, 1 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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