# NTSB CHI83FA351: Swain Rutan Longeze, N4ZZ, Oshkosh, WI, August 2, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 2, 1983, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Oshkosh, WI
- Coordinates: 44.020942, -88.619018 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0209&lon=-88.6190&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12009
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83FA351
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12009/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83FA351

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fuel system,carburetor - blocked(total) (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING A FORCED LANDING AFTER A POWER LOSS. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TALL CORN DURING THE LANDING ROLLAND SWERVED INTO THE CORN. EXAMINATION OF THE CARBURETOR REVEALED PIECES OF A SOFT BROWNISH-WHITE SOMEWHAT ELASTIC SUBSTANCE IN THE FLOAT CHAMBER. IT WAS VERY SIMILAR IN NATURE TO A TEFLON SEALING TAPE WHICH WAS USED ON THE THREADS OF THE FUEL INLET FITTING SCREWED INTO THE INLET PART OF THE FLOAT CHAMBER. A PIECE OF TAPE WAS LOOSE & FOLDED OVER THE BORE OF THE FITTING. THE BUILDER STATED THAT HE USED THE TAPE WHEN INSTALLING THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE TO ASSURE NO LEAKS AT THE CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4ZZ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4ZZ), registered now, S/N 229, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SWAIN RUTAN LONGEZE (RUTAN LONG)
- Registry model: [Swain VARIEZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/swain-varieze) (registry code 0560982) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 229
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-320 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth C. Swain
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: FLD, FONDULAC, WI
- Destination: OSH, OSHKOSH, WI
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: OSH, Wittman Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 5,000 total, 800 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °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 19830802037899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830802037899A), Aug 2, 1983: Amtrru VARIEZE, Oshkosh, WI, Substantial damage. Engine quit after cycling throttle several times. Flipped over in field. Found elastic substance in float chamber.

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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