# NTSB SEA85LA215: Varga 2150A, N8291J, Vale, OR, September 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1985, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Vale, OR
- Coordinates: 44.030021, -117.380928 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0300&lon=-117.3809&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40239
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA215
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40239/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA215

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT NOSED DOWN AFTER THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED DURING A FORCED LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD FOLLOWING A LOSS OF PWR. THE PLT REPORTED THAT APRX 1 HR INTO THE X-COUNTRY FLT HE NOTED THE FUEL GAGES INDICATED 1/2 FULL ON EACH TANK. A STATE TROOPER REPORTED HE CHECKED THE ACFT FUEL TANKS AT THE ACCIDENT SITE AND NO FUEL WAS PRESENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8291J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8291J), registered now, S/N VAC-137-79, built 1979 (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-137-79
- Airframe hours: 730
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2C 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Marion H. Chase
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 5, 1985, 26 hours before
- Departed: SLE, SALEM, ID
- Destination: ONO, ONTARIO, OR
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 56 total, 11 in this make and model, 25 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19850916045659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850916045659A), Sep 16, 1985: Varga 2150AMORISY, Vale, OR, Substantial damage. Landed on dirt road after engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. Nose gear collapsed.

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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