Here is what I see so far on the NTSB site for EZ type aircraft.
NTSB Identification: LAX05LA272
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, August 20, 2005 in San Diego, CA
Aircraft: Patch Dan F Varieze, registration: N862DP
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On August 20, 2005, about 1015 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Varieze, N862DP, collided with containers in a trucking storage yard 1 mile east of Brown Field Municipal Airport, San Diego, California. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured; the airplane was destroyed. The local personal flight departed Montgomery Field Airport (MYF), San Diego, California, about 1000. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The approximate global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the primary wreckage were 32 degrees 34.200 minutes north latitude and 116 degrees 57.613 minutes west longitude.
The accident airplane was the second airplane of a flight of two. The pilot of the first airplane reported that they had flown from Montgomery, and, during the 15-minute flight, the pilot of the accident airplane did not report any abnormalities with the accident airplane.
The two airplanes made a low approach to runway 26L in formation flight and then entered the pattern for left traffic to land on runway 26L. The first airplane landed without incident. Witnesses reported seeing the accident airplane on final approach. The airplane made a sudden right turn, entering into fenced storage facilities and colliding with numerous parked semi-tractor trailers.
The wreckage site was documented, and the airplane wreckage was recovered for further investigation.
NTSB Identification: DEN05LA123
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, August 07, 2005 in Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft: Forbes Rutan Long EZE, registration: N16WF
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On August 7, 2005, at 1110 mountain daylight time, a Forbes Rutan Long EZE, N16WF, piloted by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when the landing gear collapsed during a forced landing near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal cross-country flight was being conducted on a VFR flight plan under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot was not injured. The flight originated at Henderson Executive Airport (HND), Las Vegas, Nevada, approximately 0820.
The pilot said he was on a 1 mile final for Runway 08 at Albuquerque when he experienced a total electrical failure. The landing gear was extended and the aircraft was in landing configuration. He said he adjusted switches and circuit breakers to try and restore power but was unsuccessful. He said he switched from the main to the auxiliary battery to try and restart the electric ignition system, but was unable to do so. He said he also tried switching fuel tanks but was unable to restart the engine.
He said he was concerned that he might hit a fence on the approach end of the runway so he selected a nearby access road on which to land. He said his wingtip clipped a nearby embankment as he touched down. The aircraft pivoted left, the main landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft slid to a stop.
The pilot said the section of the winglets below the wing were ground down, the skin on the bottom of the aircraft was heavily scratched, and the nose gear structural spars buckled.
NTSB Identification: DFW05CA198.
The docket is stored in the Docket Management System (DMS). Please contact Public Inquiries
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, July 27, 2005 in Alco, AR
Aircraft: Amateur Built Varieze, registration: N115JT
Injuries: 1 Minor.
On July 7, 2005, approximately 1546 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built VariEze single-engine airplane, N115JT, was substantially damaged when it collided with a mail box during a precautionary landing on a highway. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), near Oshkosh, Wisconsin, approximately 1200, and was destined for the Clinton Municipal Airport (4M4), near Clinton, Arkansas.
The 3,308-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that prior to departure from OSH with 25 gallons plus 3 gallons of reserve fuel on board, he received a weather briefing and monitored weather reports at various stations during the flight to 4M4. The pilot added that about 100 nautical miles (nm) from 4M4, he descended to 3,500 feet, and that about 20 nm from 4M4 the cloud base was lowering and the tops of the hills were obscured in all quadrants. He further stated that at that point, he had been flying for about three and one-half hours. He added that "fuel status was now critical, and I decided to land on the highway." During the landing roll on the highway, the airplane's right wing struck a mailbox, and the pilot reported that "the next thing I knew, I was upside down in a ditch."
Examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the airplane sustained structural damage to the fuselage, engine firewall, and wings.
At 1555, the automated weather observation at the Marion County Regional Airport (FLP), near Flippin, Arkansas, located about 26 nautical miles north of the accident site, reported wind from 020 degrees at 3 knots, visibility 10 statue miles, scattered clouds at 3,100 feet, broken clouds at 3,500 feet, temperature 22 degrees Celsius, dew point 17 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.09 inches of Mercury.
The pilot reported the visibility at 5 miles plus, overcast 1,700 feet and obscured, with visibility restricted due to haze.
NTSB Identification: NYC05FA117A
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, July 10, 2005 in Lewes, DE
Aircraft: Carlstrom Long EZ, registration: N78LC
Injuries: 2 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On July 10, 2005, at 1052 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Rutan Long EZ, N78LC, and a homebuilt Van's RV-8, N899RM, were substantially damaged during a midair collision and subsequent impact in the Delaware Bay near Lewes, Delaware. The certificated commercial pilot flying the Long EZ and the certificated private pilot flying the RV-8 were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The accident airplanes were part of a group of six airplanes ("The Vultures") practicing a formation flight routine for an upcoming airshow. According to the pilots in the formation, they had just completed a "six ship opposing" maneuver in which the airplanes flew towards each other in two groups of three airplanes. The groups were assembled with a lead airplane in front and two additional airplanes aligned behind and to each side of the lead (in a "triangle" formation). After the airplanes passed each other (with approximately 50 feet of vertical separation), the next maneuver required the lead airplane of the group passing left to right (the accident RV-8), to climb and join the other group of three airplanes. The other two airplanes of the group passing left to right (the accident Long EZ and an additional RV-8) were to break off and fly a separate formation.
All of the formation pilots reported that the "six ship opposing" maneuver was performed without any abnormality. According to one of the formation pilots, within seconds after the pass he heard an unusual radio transmission that he described as an "ahrrgh" followed briefly by a report of a "mid-air" from the pilot flying above the formation, in the "spotting" position. The remaining pilots then observed the RV-8 and Long EZ impact the water.
Several witnesses were videotaping the formation flight prior to the accident. Preliminary review of the videos revealed that as the two groups of three airplanes were heading towards each other, the Long EZ (in trail and to the right of the RV-8) appeared to rise above and ahead of the RV-8. Immediately after the groups passed each other, the RV-8 initiated a climb, and the Long EZ and RV-8 collided.
The videotapes have been retained for further examination.
The Long EZ wreckage was located shortly after the accident in approximately 4 feet of water near the shore of Cape Henlopen State Park. The composite structured airplane was transported to a local facility and examined on July 11, 2005.
The left wing remained attached to the fuselage spar at its rear attachment point. The left winglet was separated, and the left inboard and outboard ailerons remained attached to the wing. The left fuel tank was breached.
Flight control continuity was confirmed from the left aileron to the cockpit area. Flight control cables were observed in the area of the right wing. The cable ends displayed "broomstraw" edges.
The fuselage area consisted of wires and cables and a section of the instrument panel. The throttle column was also located in the fuselage area. Examination of the column revealed the throttle and mixture controls were in the full forward position.
The right wing spar remained attached to the fuselage; however, the leading edge and trailing edge wing skin sections were separated from the spar.
The engine (mounted in the rear of the airplane) remained attached to the empennage section, and the propeller remained attached to the engine. The propeller blades displayed nicks and gouges along the blade edges.
The canard was separated from the fuselage. The left elevator remained attached to the canard, and the right elevator was separated in half at a 45-degree angle. The inboard section of the right elevator remained attached to the canard at its inboard attachment, and the outboard section was recovered separately.
Rescue divers from the Delaware State Police and Delaware River and Bay Authority located the RV-8 wreckage on July 12, 2005. The airplane was in approximately 21 feet of water in the Delaware Bay, near the shore of Cape Henlopen State Park. The airplane was recovered from the water and examined on July 13, 2005.
The left wing was separated from the spar, but remained attached to the fuselage section by wires and cables. The left aileron remained attached to the wing at its outboard attachment point. The left flap remained attached at the outboard and middle attachment points.
An approximate two-foot long section of the fuselage skin remained attached to the wing and displayed upward compression from the underside. The cockpit area consisted of wires and cables and a section of the instrument panel. The airspeed indicator was observed in the section of instrument panel, and the indicator read 175 knots.
The right wing was not located.
The rear empennage remained attached to the fuselage section by cables and wires. The left and right side horizontal stabilizers, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder remained attached to the empennage spar. The empennage section remained relatively intact.
Flight control continuity was confirmed from the left side flight controls (push/pull rods) to the cockpit area; however, the right side flight controls (or associated push/pull rods) were not located. Rudder cables were observed in the cockpit area, and attached to the rudder. The separated cable ends were "broomstrawed."
The engine remained attached to the firewall and the propeller remained attached to the engine. Examination of both propeller blades revealed S-bending and chordwise scratching.
The forward (fiberglass) section of cowling came to rest on the beach of Cape Henlopen State Park and was recovered immediately after the accident.
The pilot of the Long EZ held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land, multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second-class medical certificate was issued on February 4, 2003, at which time he reported 685 hours of total flight experience.
The pilot of the RV-8 held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. His most recent FAA third-class medical was issued on September 11, 2002, at which time he reported 600 hours of total flight experience.
NTSB Identification: SEA05LA134
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, June 28, 2005 in Marsing, ID
Aircraft: Jones Long EZ, registration: N58LD
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Minor.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On June 28, 2005, at approximately 1030 mountain daylight time, a Jones Long EZ, amateur built experimental, N58LD, was substantially damaged during a landing attempt at Sunrise Skypark Airport, Marsing, Idaho. The private pilot was fatally injured and his passenger received minor injuries. The pilot/owner was conducting the flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight which had originated approximately 30 minutes before the accident. A flight plan had not been filed.
The passenger said that the pilot had performed approximately 4 touch-and-go landings on runway 30. He said that soon after touchdown on the last landing, the airplane veered to the left and departed the runway. The airplane subsequently struck a drainage culvert, and came to rest with the nose of the fuselage badly damaged (shattered).
The pilot had owned the airplane since 1988; there was approximately 258 hours of flight time on the aircraft.
NTSB Identification: DEN05LA099
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, June 24, 2005 in Santa Fe, NM
Aircraft: Campbell Long EZ, registration: N84RW
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On June 24, 2005, about 1000 mountain daylight time, a Campbell Long EZ, N84RW, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with a bird while in cruise flight approximately 5 miles west of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal cross-country flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. The flight originated at Double Eagle Airport (AEG), Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was en route to Los Alamos (LAM), New Mexico.
According to the pilot, he was cruising at 120 knots at 9,500 feet msl when he struck a bird. The impact separated the propeller blades at midspan. One or both blades then struck the trailing edge of the right aileron, bounced off, then hit the right vertical stabilizer, which also separated in flight. The pilot made an uneventful emergency landing at Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF).
NTSB Identification: ATL05LA081
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, May 16, 2005 in St Elmo, AL
Aircraft: Paul E. Conner Rotor-EZ, registration: N2992
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On May 16, 2005. at 1545 central daylight time, a Homebuilt Experimental Rotor-EZ, N2992, registered to and operated by the commercial pilot, collided with trees shortly after takeoff from runway 24, at the St. Elmo, Airport, in St. Elmo, Alabama. The flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot received fatal injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damaged. The flight originated from the St. Elmo, Airport in St. Elmo, Alabama on May 16, 2005, at 1540.
According to witnesses, during takeoff the engine did not seem to be developing full power. At about 250 feet above the ground the airplane banked left and the engine quite. The airplane's bank angle increased and exceeded 90-degrees. The airplane's nose dropped suddenly, the wings leveled and the nose came back to nearly level prior to the airplane colliding with trees in a wooded area. Witness, telephoned the 911 operator reported the accident, and proceeded to the scene to provide assistance.
The airplane was recovered to a local hangar for further examination.
NTSB Identification: MIA05CA053.
The docket is stored in the Docket Management System (DMS). Please contact Public Inquiries
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, January 21, 2005 in Daytona Beach, FL
Probable Cause Approval Date: 3/30/2005
Aircraft: Lee Harold Swarthout Velocity XLRG, registration: N121HS
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
On January 21, 2005, about 1100 eastern standard time, a Velocity XLRG, N121HS, registered to a private individual, experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll and collided with a fence and ditch at Spruce Creek Airport, Daytona Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal, local, flight from Spruce Creek Airport. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 0930, from Spruce Creek Airport.
The pilot reported that during the landing roll on runway 23, he applied brakes to slow, but his left foot slipped off the brake while the right foot was still on the brake causing the airplane to veer right. He attempted to straighten out the plane by applying left rudder but was unable and the airplane traveled off the runway and collided with a fence and a ditch. He further stated at the time of the accident, the wind was from the south at about 5-10 knots, with wind gusts of 5-10 knots and light turbulence. No mechanical failure was reported by the pilot. The accident flight was the pilot's second flight test in the accident aircraft.
