# NTSB LAX83FVM03: Falkenthal Varieze, N78EV, Palo Alto, CA, September 2, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: September 1, 1982, 18:10 local (Sep 2, 1982, 02:10 UTC)
- Place: Palo Alto, CA
- Coordinates: 37.450836, -122.100578 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4508&lon=-122.1006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report September 1, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72148
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FVM03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72148/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FVM03

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - flt control syst,elevator control - undertorqued (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control - disconnected (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control - disabled (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

DURING FINAL APPROACH THE ACFT SUDDENLY PITCHED DOWN ABOUT 45 DEG & CRASHED INTO A DUCK POND CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 4-5 FT OF WATER. DURING EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE IT WAS NOTED A BOLT WAS MISSING THAT SECURES THE ELEVATOR CONTROL STICK, AT THE BELLCRANK, TO THE PUSH-PULL ROD THAT EXTENDS TO & OPERATES THE ELEVATORS ATTACHED TO THE CANARD. THE PLT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THIS FLT HE HAD PUT IN A NEW INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING WHICH THE CANARD HAD BEEN REMOVED. HE COULD NOT REMEMBER TORQUING THE NUT ATTACHING THE ELEVATOR PUSH-PULL ROD TO THE BELLCRANK WHEN HE REINSTALLED THE CANARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N78EV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N78EV-1985-07-30), registration cancelled 1985-07-30, S/N RAF-1803 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FALKENTHAL VARIEZE
- Registry model: [Falkenthal Robert J VARIEZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/falkenthal-robert-j-varieze) (registry code 05609AC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: RAF 1803
- Airframe hours: 46
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert J. Falkenthal
- Registered owner: Robert J. Falkenthal
- Departed: L67, RIALTO, CA
- Destination: BURBANK, CA
- Airport: PAO, Palo Alto, runway 30, 2,500 × 65 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 270 total, 46 in this make and model, 152 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 20° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Observed at: PAO

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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