# NTSB CHI03LA228: Ference Varieze, N617JF, Macomb, MI, July 26, 2003

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 25, 2003, 20:00 local (Jul 26, 2003, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Macomb, MI
- Coordinates: 42.663887, -82.965553
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6639&lon=-82.9656&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 2003
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 57586
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI03LA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/57586/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI03LA228

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to secure the window canopy before takeoff and his failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a loss of control.  The pilot's diverted attention is a contributing factor.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command
  - window,canopy - not secured (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - object - antenna (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

An experimental amateur-built airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with a Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) antenna and with terrain during a takeoff.  The pilot reported minor injuries.  The pilot stated, "Canopy was not secured properly prior to take off, and opened in flight just after rotation.  Pilot lost control of the aircraft attempting to close the canopy in flight."

## Factual narrative

On July 25, 2003, about 2000 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Ference Varieze, N617JF, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with a Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) antenna and with terrain during a takeoff from runway 22 (4,193 feet by 60 feet, asphalt) at Berz-Macomb Airport (UIZ), near Macomb, Michigan.  The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  No flight plan was on file.  The pilot reported minor injuries.  The local flight was originating from UIZ at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated:

Canopy was not secured properly prior to take off, and opened in

flight just after rotation.  Pilot lost control of the aircraft attempting

to close the canopy in flight.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N617JF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N617JF-2008-11-05), registration cancelled 2008-11-05, S/N 1312, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ference Varieze
- Registry model: [Ference James E VARIEZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/ference-james-e-varieze) (registry code 05609LC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A80 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a80-series) (registry code 17006, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1312
- Engines: Continental 80A 80 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert W. Hookano
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 2002
- Departed: UIZ, Macomb, MI
- Destination: UIZ
- Airport: UIZ, Berz-Macomb, runway 22, 4,193 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; last flight review March 15, 2003; seat: front; flight hours: 255 total, 10 in this make and model, 255 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.12 inHg
- Observed at: MTC, 9 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 20030725018199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030725018199A), Jul 25, 2003: Amtr VARIEZE, Utica, MI, Substantial damage. (-23) Canopy was not secured properly prior to take-off and opened in flight just after rotation. Pilot lost control of the aircraft attempting to close the…

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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