Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

June 19, 1994 · Riley Donald Rutan Varieze Rutan VARI · N111DR

Fort Lupton, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 1994
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Fort Lupton, CO
Aircraft
Riley Donald Rutan Varieze Rutan VARI
Tail Number
N111DR
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW94LA202

WHILE ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND A FORCED LANDING WAS CONDUCTED. DURING THE APPROACH, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK POWER LINES. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE PROVIDED EVIDENCE OF OIL SUMP CONTAMINATION IN THE FORM OF A PAPER TOWEL APPEARING ITEM. THIS PLUGGED THE OIL PICK UP AND CAUSED OIL STARVATION. EVIDENCE INDICATES THE PIECE OF PAPER TOWEL APPEARING MATERIAL MAY HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE ENGINE DURING MAINTENANCE TO A CYLINDER A SHORT TIME PRIOR TO THE TRIP ORIGINATING.

NTSB Probable Cause

BLOCKAGE OF THE OIL SCAVENGE PUMP BY FOREIGN MATERIAL WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE ENGINE DURING MAINTENANCE. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On June 19, 1994, at 1130 mountain daylight time, a homebuilt Varieze, N111DR, struck power lines while conducting a forced landing due to a loss of power 2 miles west of Fort Lupton, Colorado. The pilot sustained serious injuries and his passenger minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed Olathe Kansas, at 0800 with an intended destination of Longmont, Colorado. According to the pilot, he was in cruise flight when the engine lost oil pressure and a total loss of power occurred. He said he attempted to land on a highway but struck a power line during approach. Examination of the engine provided evidence of a large piece of paper towel appearing material in the oil sump. This piece of material had plugged the oil pick up resulting in oil starvation to the engine. Available information indicates the engine had maintenance performed on a cylinder a short time prior to this trip and that the piece of material may have been introduced into the engine at that time.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRiley Donald Rutan Varieze Rutan VARI
Tail NumberN111DR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 9 kt
Visibility100 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data