# NTSB WPR10LA166: Kjonaas Varieze, N50894, Casa Grande, AZ, March 17, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 17, 2010, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC) - Place: Casa Grande, AZ - Coordinates: 33.221942, -112.134719 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2219&lon=-112.1347&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-cruise: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report April 28, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: TCM, FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 75547 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR10LA166 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/75547/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75547 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA166 ## Probable cause A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause); cases with it: [Kjonaas VARIEZE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=05609F8), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Terrain: rough terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Kjonaas VARIEZE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md?model=05609F8), [All aircraft, 442 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Kjonaas VARIEZE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=05609F8), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: fuel planning](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot; cases with it: [Kjonaas VARIEZE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030/cases.md?model=05609F8), [All aircraft, 719 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-cruise: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) (defining event); cases with it: [Kjonaas VARIEZE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md?model=05609F8), [All aircraft, 804 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md) - [Enroute-cruise: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Kjonaas VARIEZE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=05609F8), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Kjonaas VARIEZE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=05609F8), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Kjonaas VARIEZE, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=05609F8), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis During a cross-country flight, the pilot reported to air traffic control that the airplane's engine lost power. Later in the day, the wreckage was located on rough and uneven terrain. The first responder to the accident site reported that the airplane was inverted, and the injured pilot was trapped inside. While waiting for medical and rescue personnel, the pilot stated that he had run out of fuel and the engine had stopped running. Both wings of the airplane and its canard were found separated from the fuselage. There was a faint smell of auto fuel at the accident site, but no signs of fuel spillage in the soil or surrounding area. After the wreckage was recovered, two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors and a representative from the engine manufacturer examined the remains. They drained approximately 1/2 cup of liquid from the gascolator and estimated that it consisted of approximately 95 percent rust-contaminated water and 5 percent clear fluid, which was likely automobile gasoline. The bowl of the gascolator was found rusted and contained a reddish sludge. The engine exhibited drive train continuity and no abnormalities were identified which would have prevented normal operation. The airplane's maintenance records and pilot's flight log book were not located. The pilot's family members reported to Safety Board investigators that his medical condition precluded an interview or having him provide a written statement. ## Factual narrative On March 17, 2010, at approximately 0830 mountain standard time, a Kjonaas VariEze experimental amateur-built airplane, N50894, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Casa Grande, Arizona. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, which had originated from Bisbee, Arizona, at approximately 0730, with the destination of Glendale, Arizona. A flight plan had not been filed. The pilot called Glendale Municipal Airport (GEU) Air Traffic Control tower at approximately 0830, and reported that the airplane's engine had stopped running. He said that he was 25 nautical miles southeast of the airport; this was the last communication from the pilot. A search was initiated by Maricopa County Search and Rescue, and the airplane was located at approximately 1600. When the first rescue pilot landed his helicopter and approached the inverted airplane, he discovered the pilot was alive but trapped inside. While waiting for ground rescue and medical personnel, the pilot told him that he had run out of fuel and the engine had stopped running. Two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the wreckage. They found that several trees had been topped approximately 75 yards from the wreckage. The airplane was found inverted with both wings and the canard broken from the fuselage. The main wish-bone landing gear assembly had separated from the fuselage. The wooden propeller was found in dry-rotted condition and displayed minimal damage. The fuselage and engine were covered with oil; there was a faint smell of auto fuel, but no signs of fuel spillage in the soil or surrounding area. Both fuel tanks had been compromised. On March 22, 2010, a postaccident examination of the wreckage was performed at a salvage yard by two FAA inspectors and a representative from the engine manufacturer. They drained approximately 1/2 cup of liquid from the gascolator into a clean glass jar. The liquid consisted of approximately 95% rust-contaminated water and 5% clear fluid, which smelled like auto fuel. The gascolator screen was covered by approximately 25% debris and other contaminants. The bottom of the gascolator was rusted and contained a reddish sludge. The engine exhibited drive train continuity and no abnormalities were identified which would have prevented normal operation. The FAA inspectors were unable to locate the airplane's maintenance records or pilot's flight log book. Family members reported to the National Transportation Safety Board's investigator-in-charge that the pilot's medical condition precluded an interview or having him provide a written statement. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N50894](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N50894-2013-04-18), registration cancelled 2013-04-18, S/N 1160, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: KJONAAS VARIEZE - Registry model: [Kjonaas VARIEZE](https://openairdocs.org/model/kjonaas-varieze) (registry code 05609F8) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 1160 - Airframe hours: 442 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-200 SERIES 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Blanchette Charles T - Registered owner: Blanchette Charles T - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: DUG, Bisbee, AZ - Destination: GEU, Glendale, AZ - Flight plan: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 1,275 total, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 5 knots - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 30.14 inHg - Observed at: GEU, 25 nm away ## 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 20100317029999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100317029999A), Mar 17, 2010: Kjonaas VARIEZE, Laveen, AZ, Destroyed. Investigation of the accident on scene found no measurable amounts of fuel in the fuel tanks. No signs of fuel spillage or ground contamination was evident.… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 17, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75547. 3.0 MB in all. - First Responder Statement (item 1, .PDF, 352 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40342478&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=First%20Responder%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 2, .PDF, 572 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40342479&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Gila River Police Department Report (item 3, .PDF, 366 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40342481&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Gila%20River%20Police%20Department%20Report-Master.PDF - Teledyne Continental Motors Engine Inspection Report (item 4, .PDF, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40342477&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Teledyne%20Continental%20Motors%20Engine%20Inspection%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 5, .PDF, 48 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40342482&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Teledyne Continental Motors Engine Serial Data (item 6, .PDF, 109 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40342483&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Teledyne%20Continental%20Motors%20Engine%20Serial%20Data-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.