# NTSB NYC87DGM02: Noonan VARI-EZE, N785, Ebensburg, PA, May 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1987, 16:04 local (21:04 UTC)
- Place: Ebensburg, PA
- Coordinates: 40.479656, -78.719184 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4797&lon=-78.7192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30436
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87DGM02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30436/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87DGM02

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other person (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE VARI-EZE WAS PART OF A THREE SHIP FLYBY AT AN AIRSHOW. THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO BREAK FORMATION AND TURN DOWNWIND FOR A LANDING. A WITNESS REPORTED THE ENGINE SPUTTERING. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN A OPEN FIELD NEXT TO THE RUNWAY. EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THAT THERE WAS RUST COLORED WATER IN THE FUEL BOWL AND RUST STAIN ON THE SIDE OF THE BOWL. IN ADDITION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE FUEL LINES FROM THE MAIN FUEL TANKS WERE LOWER THEN THE GASCOLATOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N785](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N785), registered now, S/N 1156 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: NOONAN VARI-EZE
- Registry model: [Noonan Kenneth R VARI-EZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/noonan-kenneth-r-vari-eze) (registry code 0569038) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1156
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1B 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kenneth Noonan
- Registered owner: Noonan Kenneth R
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 13, 1986, 10 hours before
- Airport: 9G8, Ebensburg, runway 24, 3,200 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 469 total, 58 in this make and model, 6 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19870517013639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870517013639A), May 17, 1987: Amtrru VARIEZELONG, Ebensburg, PA, Substantial damage. Three plane flyby. One broke formation. Turned downwind engine sputtering. Landed off airport. Rust water in fuel.

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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