# NTSB CHI84FA321: S.I. Briggs Varieze, N15EZ, Pickett, WI, July 29, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1984, 10:11 local (15:11 UTC)
- Place: Pickett, WI
- Location: 43.9114° N, 88.7298° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Pickett, WI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.9114&lon=-88.7298&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): 12418
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84FA321
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12418/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84FA321

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,static
  - buzzing - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED A 25 FT AGL 2 STRAND 14000 V POWER LINE. AFTER CONTACTING THE LINES, THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN IN A CORN FIELD AND TRAVELED FOR APRX 210 FT. THE ACFT THEN CROSSED A 2 LANE ROAD, STRUCK A DITCH SEPARATING THE CANARD/GEAR AND TRAVELED AN ADDITIONAL 80 FT BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE PLT STATED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER WAS EXPERIENCED AT 2000 FT MSL AND THE POWER LINES WERE CONTACTED DURING THE FORCED LANDING. HOWEVER, THE DISTANCE TRAVELED BY THE ACFT AFTER LANDING AND HIGH TORQUE DAMAGE TO THE PROP INDICATE THE ACFT HAD ENGINE POWER. THE PLT WAS ALLOWED TO MOVE THE WRECKAGE TO MASSACHUSETTS WITH THE CONDITION THAT AN ENGINE TEARDOWN BE PERFORMED UNDER FAA SUPERVISION. THE PLT FAILED TO SUBMIT ANY INFO REGARDING THE TEARDOWN, IF PERFORMED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N15EZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N15EZ-2004-02-27), registration cancelled 2004-02-27, S/N 1983, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: S.I. BRIGGS VARIEZE
- Registry model: [Briggs Stephen I VARI-EZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/briggs-stephen-i-vari-eze) (registry code 05609HL) (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: 1983
- Airframe hours: 582
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bruce D. Stephens
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: OSH, OSHKOSH, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: front

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 30,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OSH, 11 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 19840729035679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840729035679A), Jul 29, 1984: Amtrru VARIEZE, Pickett, WI, Destroyed. Struck powerline 25 feet AGL. Propeller displayed high torque application on ground contact. Pilot said engine quit.

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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