# NTSB SEA87LA090: Rutan VARI-EZE, N29Z, Renton, WA, May 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 7, 1987, 18:45 local (May 8, 1987, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Renton, WA
- Coordinates: 47.389953, -122.260231 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3900&lon=-122.2602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40621
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA090
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40621/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA090

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, standing - starting engine(s)
  - throttle/power control - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - starting procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, taxi
  - object - aircraft parked/standing (contributing factor)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE BEING HAND PROPPED THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO MOVE. THE PILOT THEN ATTEMPTED TO CLIMB INSIDE THE AIRCRAFT BUT THE CANOPY HAD CLOSED. THE PILOT HELD ONTO THE AIRCRAFT AND WAS DRAGGED ACROSS THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A PARKED, UNOCCUPIED AIRCRAFT AND THEN A FENCE BEFORE COMING TO REST. THE PILOT DISCOVERED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N29Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N29Z-1991-03-28), registration cancelled 1991-03-28, S/N 1241 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RUTAN VARI-EZE
- Registry model: [Hess Richard W RUTAN VARI-EZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/hess-richard-w-rutan-vari-eze) (registry code 05609JQ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1241
- Airframe hours: 185
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard Hess
- Registered owner: Richard Hess
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 25, 1986

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 497 total, 172 in this make and model, 399 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19870507012439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870507012439A), May 7, 1987: Amtrru VARIEZE, Renton, WA, Substantial damage. Brakes set. Hand propped aircraft. Plane started a fast taxi. Pilot was dragged with aircraft. Hit a parked aircraft

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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