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NTSB Report
May 20, 1992 · James D Bierly Vari-Ez · N64SJ
Jeffersonville, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 20, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Jeffersonville, IN
Aircraft
James D Bierly Vari-Ez
Tail Number
N64SJ
Operator
James D Bierly
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI92DEX01
THE PILOT WAS IN THE TOUCH-AND-GO PATTERN USING RWY 36 WHEN A SLOWER ACFT GOT IN THE PATTERN AHEAD OF HIM. THE PILOT EXECUTED A GO-AROUND, AND APPLIED FULL THROTTLE. WHILE CLIMBING OUT THE ENGINE QUIT COMPLETELY. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING ON RWY 14. THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY ON SOFT SOD, THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED, AND AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT FLEXIBLE CARBURETOR AIR INTAKE DUCT HAD COMPLETELY COLLAPSED.
NTSB Probable Cause
A COLLAPSED CARBURETOR AIR INTAKE DUCT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE SOFT, UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ON WHICH TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS IN THE TOUCH-AND-GO PATTERN USING RWY 36 WHEN A SLOWER ACFT GOT IN THE PATTERN AHEAD OF HIM. THE PILOT EXECUTED A GO-AROUND, AND APPLIED FULL THROTTLE. WHILE CLIMBING OUT THE ENGINE QUIT COMPLETELY. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING ON RWY 14. THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY ON SOFT SOD, THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED, AND AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT FLEXIBLE CARBURETOR AIR INTAKE DUCT HAD COMPLETELY COLLAPSED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EDT
Nearest AirportJefersonville (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftJames D Bierly Vari-Ez
Tail NumberN64SJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames D Bierly
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 10 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 35000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT