# NTSB FTW93LA071: Keller Varieze, N90LH, Portland, TX, January 16, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 16, 1993, 11:40 local (17:40 UTC)
- Place: Portland, TX
- Coordinates: 27.419065, -98.550285 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.4191&lon=-98.5503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18688
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW93LA071
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18688/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA071

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICING AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

WHILE MANEUVERING OVER WATER THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, WITHOUT SUCCESS. HE ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE SHORELINE, HOWEVER, HE WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. HE ELECTED TO LAND THE AIRPLANE IN THE WATER. ACCORDING TO THE ICING PROBABILITY CHART THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO SERIOUS CARBURETOR ICING. TEMPERATURE AND DEW POINT WERE 67 AND 55 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY

## Factual narrative

On January 16, 1993, at 1140 central standard time, a Keller Varieze, N90LH, was destroyed on water impact following a forced landing due to loss of engine power near Portland, Texas. Weather for the 14 CFR Part 91 flight was visual meteorological conditions. The pilot owner was not injured, however, his passenger sustained minor injuries.

During interviews conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that he was maneuvering over Nueces Bay, near Portland, Texas, when he experienced carburetor icing. He further reported that he attempted to correct the problem using published procedures, however, his engine ingested the ice and the engine shut down. The pilot reported he attempted to glide the two miles to the shore line, however, he was unable to reach it. The airplane impacted the water and both occupants were rescued by a fishing vessel. A review of the icing probability chart revealed that the airplane was operating in environmental conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N90LH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N90LH-1996-10-31), registration cancelled 1996-10-31, S/N 956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: KELLER VARIEZE
- Registry model: [Rives Rick F LONG-EZ](https://openairdocs.org/model/rives-rick-f-long-ez) (registry code 056096Z) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 956
- Airframe hours: 550
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Weeden, Paul H.
- Registered owner: Weeden, Paul H.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 23, 1992

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,749 total, 47 in this make and model, 1,749 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19930116000429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930116000429A), Jan 16, 1993: Amtr LONG EZ, Portland, TX, Destroyed. Lost power due carb ice. Landed in a lake near shore.

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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