# NTSB MKC88LA146: Varga 2150A, N8259J, Washington, IA, August 2, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1988, 23:15 local (Aug 2, 1988, 04:15 UTC)
- Place: Washington, IA
- Coordinates: 41.290756, -91.690269 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2908&lon=-91.6903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 2, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34621
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34621/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88LA146

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - guy wire (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy

## Analysis

WHILE ENROUTE THE PIC RPTD A LOSS OF ENG PWR. THE PIC STATED IN HIS RPT THAT HAVING PASSED WASHINGTON, IA, HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS TO DRAW FUEL FROM THE LFT TANK WHICH INDICATED 1/2 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER SWITCHING, THE PIC STATED THE TANK WENT EMPTY. THE PIC THEN SWITCHED ON THE OTHER TANK WHICH HAD INDICATED 1/4 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER DOING SO, THE ENG QUIT AND THE PIC ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE WASHINGTON, IA, ARPT. THE ACFT CLIPPED A POWERLINE GUY WIRE DURING THE FORCED LANDING AND CRASHED SHORT INTO A FARM IMPLEMENT SALES LOT. INSP OF THE ACFT REVEALED LESS THAN 1 GAL TOTAL FUEL QUANTITY. NO LEAKS OR RUPTURE OF FUEL SYSTEM HARDWARE WAS FOUND WHICH COULD EXPLAIN THE LOW QUANTITY OF FUEL IN THE SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8259J (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: VARGA 2150A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: VAC-105-78
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: George L. Seyb
- Registered owner: Coy Co. Air Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1988, 15 hours before
- Departed: OSHKOSH, WI
- Destination: MEMPHIS, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,138 total, 260 in this make and model, 36 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CID

## 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 19880801029259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880801029259A), Aug 1, 1988: Varga 2150AMORISY, Washington, MO, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel en route. Struck a power pole guy wire on forced landing in a farm equipment sale lot.

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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