# NTSB LAX88DVA11: Tedford VARI-EZE, N707LT, Mariposa, CA, August 22, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1988, 12:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Mariposa, CA
- Coordinates: 37.489433, -119.999015 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4894&lon=-119.9990&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25750
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVA11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25750/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVA11

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - flight control,elevator - flutter (cause)
  - maintenance,modification - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight control,elevator attachment - undertorqued (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flight control,elevator surface - separation (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACFT OBSERVED TO DIVE INTO GRND. INVESTIGATION REVEALED INFLT BREAKUP AND SEPARATION OF CANARDS. EXAM OF CANARDS REVEALED MODIFICATION TO INCREASE CHORD IMPROPERLY DONE, ADDING EXCESS WEIGHT AFT OF CG AND MAKING COMPONENTS SUBJECT TO FLUTTER. ONE MOUNTING BOLT ON RT CANARD FOUND UNDERTORQUED. LOOSENESS PERMITTED FLUTTER INITIATION AT LOWER SPEED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N707LT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N707LT-1998-03-09), registration cancelled 1998-03-09, S/N 391 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TEDFORD VARI-EZE
- Registry model: [Tedford Louis Ray TEDFORD VARIEZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/tedford-louis-ray-tedford-varieze) (registry code 05690P2) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 391
- Airframe hours: 8
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C2C 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Louis R. Tedford
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, July 29, 1988

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 700 total, 8 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F

## 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 19880822035009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880822035009A), Aug 22, 1988: Amtrru VARIEZE, Mariposa, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Canard separated in flight causing pitch up stall and crash. Elevator was too heavy, caused flutter canard failure.

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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