# NTSB LAX91FA251: Varga 2150A, N8272J, Livermore, CA, June 7, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 7, 1991, 10:21 local (17:21 UTC)
- Place: Livermore, CA
- Coordinates: 37.68013, -121.749023 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6801&lon=-121.7490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27006
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91FA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27006/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA251

## Probable cause

AN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH TERRAIN FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON A LOCAL FLIGHT THE PILOT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY, REPORTING THAT HE SMELLED OIL AND THE COCKPIT WAS HEATING UP.  AFTER RADIO CONTACT WAS LOST, A SEARCH LOCATED THE AIRPLANE CRASHED INTO A ROCKY HILL.  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE HILL AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED IN A SLIGHT NOSE AND LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE.  AN OPEN, GRASS COVERED FIELD SURROUNDED THE HILL. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS/FAILURES OF THE ENGINE OR AIRFRAME WERE FOUND. THE PILOT HAD BEEN TAKING MEDICATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS FOR HEADACHES WHICH WERE NOT REPORTED TO THE FAA. ELEVEN MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE PILOT HAD SURGERY FOR LUNG CANCER. THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CANCER REOCCURRED IN THE PILOT'S BRAIN.  THE PILOT DECLINED RADIATION THERAPY AND RELIED ON MEDICATION THERAPY. FOUR DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE  PILOT REPORTED WEAKNESS AND LACK OF ENERGY AND WAS ADVISED TO INCREASE HIS MEDICATION.  THE PILOT CONTINUED TO FLY WHILE BEING TREATED FOR HIS ILLNESS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8272J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8272J-2008-12-12), registration cancelled 2008-12-12, S/N VAC-118-79, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: VARGA 2150A
- Registry model: [Varga 2150A](https://openairdocs.org/model/varga-2150a) (registry code 9350102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: VAC-118-79
- Airframe hours: 1113
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2C 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Parker, Claron E.
- Registered owner: Parker, Claron E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 4, 1991, 24 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 830 total, 256 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LVK, 7 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 19910607020419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910607020419A), Jun 7, 1991: Varga 2150AMORISY, Livermore, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Reported oil smell and heat. Flew into side of rocky hill. Ill health and heavy medication. No mechanical defects.

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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