# NTSB CHI83FA024: C. EFF VARI-EZE, N122EF, Seymour, IN, October 23, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 23, 1982, 11:55 local (16:55 UTC)
- Place: Seymour, IN
- Coordinates: 38.949523, -85.879142 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9495&lon=-85.8791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 23, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72601
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83FA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72601/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83FA024

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AIRCRAFT WAS BEING TAXI TESTED WHEN IT BECAME AIRBORNE AND FLEW A FAST, LOW TENTATIVE PATTERN. TURNING FINAL THE TURN WAS VERY STEEP AND AIRCRAFT DESCENDED TO GROUND IMPACTING A TREE PRIOR TO GROUND IMPACT. THE PILOT HAD NO RECORDED FLIGHT TIME IN THIS AIRCRAFT WHICH IS VERY SENSITIVE TO CONTROL INPUTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N122EF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N122EF-1984-07-21), registration cancelled 1984-07-21, S/N 528 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: C. EFF VARI-EZE
- Registry model: [EFF Chris A VARIEZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/eff-chris-a-varieze) (registry code 05609PA) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 528
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Christian A. Eff
- Registered owner: Christian A. Eff
- Departed: SER, SEYMOUR, IN
- Destination: SER, SEYMOUR, IN
- Airport: SER, Freeman Muni, runway 9, 4,100 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 775 total, 686 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 122 °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 19821023054899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821023054899A), Oct 23, 1982: Amtrru VARIEZE, Seymour, IN, Destroyed. Aircraft struck tree and crashed on first flight during final approach for landing.

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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