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NTSB Report
July 27, 1992 · Smith VARI EZE · UNREG
Terry, MT
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
July 27, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Terry, MT
Aircraft
Smith VARI EZE
Tail Number
UNREG
Operator
Smith Benny J
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA92IA164
THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT WAS TAXIING WESTBOUND ON RUNWAY 25 WHEN THE UNREGISTERED HOMEBUILT VARI EZE BECAME AIRBORNE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO REACH AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 20-30 FEET AGL AS IT ROLLED COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NOSE LOW INVERTED ATTITUDE. FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WITNESSED THE OCCURRENCE REPORTED THAT THE PILOT DID NOT INTEND TO FLY THE AIRCRAFT, BUT ONLY TAXI ALONG THE RUNWAY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S EXCEEDING LIFTOFF SPEED DURING A TAXI TEST.
Full Narrative
THE NON-CERTIFICATED PILOT WAS TAXIING WESTBOUND ON RUNWAY 25 WHEN THE UNREGISTERED HOMEBUILT VARI EZE BECAME AIRBORNE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO REACH AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 20-30 FEET AGL AS IT ROLLED COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NOSE LOW INVERTED ATTITUDE. FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WITNESSED THE OCCURRENCE REPORTED THAT THE PILOT DID NOT INTEND TO FLY THE AIRCRAFT, BUT ONLY TAXI ALONG THE RUNWAY.
Flight
Event TypeIncident
Event Time20:35 MDT
Nearest AirportTERRY (0nm N)
Runway25
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSmith VARI EZE
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSmith Benny J
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsUnknown · UNKNOWN · Reciprocating
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC