# NTSB LAX93LA295: Curry Varieze, N183RC, Bisbee, AZ, July 22, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1993, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Bisbee, AZ
- Coordinates: 31.429084, -109.919654 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4291&lon=-109.9197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 1, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28431
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA295
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28431/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA295

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT. THE CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS WERE A FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - sign

## Analysis

DURING THE DESCENT, THE PILOT FAILED TO USE THE CARBURETOR ICE AND THE  ENGINE QUIT.  THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A STARTER.  THE AIRPLANE  STRUCK A ROAD SIGN BEFORE LANDING ON A ROAD ABOUT A 1/2 MILE NORTH OF THE  AIRPORT.

## Factual narrative

On July 22, 1993, at 0930 hours mountain standard time, an experimental Curry Varieze, N183RC, crashed while executing an emergency landing on a road near Bisbee, Arizona.  The emergency landing was precipitated by a total loss of engine power.  The pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules personal flight.  The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage.  The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated at Bisbee Municipal Airport, Bisbee, Arizona, at 0850 hours.

The pilot reported that during the descent from 11,000 feet mean sea level the engine sustained a total loss of power when the flight was about 5 miles from Bisbee Airport.  During the emergency descent, when the flight was about 1/2 mile from the airport, the pilot realized that the airplane's altitude was insufficient to negotiate the airport and he elected to land on a road north of the airport.  The airplane then struck a road sign and crashed on the road.

The pilot also reported that he suspects the engine lost power due to carburetor ice and then he was unable to attempt to restart the engine as the engine was not equipped with an electric starter.  An engine examination was not conducted.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N183RC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N183RC-1993-11-15), registration cancelled 1993-11-15, S/N 2183 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CURRY VARIEZE
- Registry model: [Curry Richard Dale VARI-EZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/curry-richard-dale-vari-eze) (registry code 056098M) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 2183
- Airframe hours: 182
- Engines: FRANKLIN 4AC-176FZ 80 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Curry, Richard D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 22, 1993, 20 hours before
- Airport: P04, Bisbee Municipal Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 3,000 total, 225 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19930722025079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930722025079A), Jul 22, 1993: Amtrru VARIEZE, Bisbee, AZ, Substantial damage. Lost power on long descent for landing. Unable make airport. Landing on road hit sign. Believe carburetor icing.

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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