# NTSB LAX85LA294: Leslie J. Royal VARI- EZE, N84JR, Rio Linda, CA, June 25, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1985, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Rio Linda, CA
- Coordinates: 38.680789, -121.450942 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6808&lon=-121.4509&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24755
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA294
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24755/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA294

## 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 - open
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - relinquishing of control - inadvertent, pilot in command

## Analysis

AS THE ACFT BEGAN ITS' CLIMB, AFTER TAKEOFF, THE CANOPY PARTIALLY OPENED. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AS HE ATTEMPTED TO RELATCH THE CANOPY. THE ACFT TURNED OFF ITS PREVIOUS FLIGHT PATH AND COLLIDED WITH A PARKED ACFT AND TRUCK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N84JR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N84JR-2017-05-15), registration cancelled 2017-05-15, S/N 161, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LESLIE J. ROYAL VARI- EZE
- Registry model: [Jackson/Royal LONG-EZ](https://openairdocs.org/model/jackson-royal-long-ez) (registry code 056099L) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 161
- Airframe hours: 70
- Engines: LYCOMING 0320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leslie J. Royal
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: Q94, RIO LINDA, CA
- Airport: Q94, Rio Linda, runway 2, 2,620 × 42 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 523 total, 16 in this make and model, 469 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCC, 2 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 19850625027899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850625027899A), Jun 25, 1985: Amtrru VARIEZE, Rio Linda, CA, Destroyed. Plexiglass canopy unlatched on takeoff. Lost control trying to latch canopy. Struck a parked aircraft and a truck.

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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