# NTSB LAX84FA355: Baugh-Hubert Varieze 100, N13NB, Red Bluff, CA, June 16, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1984, 15:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Red Bluff, CA
- Coordinates: 40.130496, -122.429283 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1305&lon=-122.4293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23966
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA355
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23966/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA355

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - unlocked (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A WITNESS SAW THE CANOPY COME OPEN DURING THE AIRCRAFT'S INITIAL CLIMB. THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A SPIN WHEN THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE CANOPY AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. THE COCKPIT AREA WAS CRUSHED AT DURING IMPACT BUT THE CANOPY HAD SEPARATED AND WAS FOUND 15 FEET SOUTH OF THE WRECKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N13NB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N13NB-1993-01-22), registration cancelled 1993-01-22, S/N 647 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BAUGH-HUBERT VARIEZE 100 (VARIEZE 10)
- Registry model: [Baugh-Hubert VARIEZE MODEL 100](https://openairdocs.org/model/baugh-hubert-varieze-model-100) (registry code 05609Q1) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 647
- Airframe hours: 59
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: H. Gordon Baugh
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Destination: ORLAND, CA
- Airport: RBL, Red Bluff, runway 33, 6,000 × 150 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 7,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 85 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RBL

## 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 19840616024409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840616024409A), Jun 16, 1984: Amtrru VARIEZE, Red Bluff, CA, Destroyed. During climbing turn to downwind canopy came open. Both hands seen trying to close canopy. Spun in.

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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