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NTSB Report
August 2, 1988 · Varga 2150A · N8259J
Washington, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Washington, IA
Aircraft
Varga 2150A
Tail Number
N8259J
Operator
George L Seyb
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC88LA146
WHILE ENROUTE THE PIC RPTD A LOSS OF ENG PWR. THE PIC STATED IN HIS RPT THAT HAVING PASSED WASHINGTON, IA, HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS TO DRAW FUEL FROM THE LFT TANK WHICH INDICATED 1/2 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER SWITCHING, THE PIC STATED THE TANK WENT EMPTY. THE PIC THEN SWITCHED ON THE OTHER TANK WHICH HAD INDICATED 1/4 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER DOING SO, THE ENG QUIT AND THE PIC ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE WASHINGTON, IA, ARPT. THE ACFT CLIPPED A POWERLINE GUY WIRE DURING THE FORCED LANDING AND CRASHED SHORT INTO A FARM IMPLEMENT SALES LOT. INSP OF THE ACFT REVEALED LESS THAN 1 GAL TOTAL FUEL QUANTITY. NO LEAKS OR RUPTURE OF FUEL SYSTEM HARDWARE WAS FOUND WHICH COULD EXPLAIN THE LOW QUANTITY OF FUEL IN THE SYSTEM.
Full Narrative
WHILE ENROUTE THE PIC RPTD A LOSS OF ENG PWR. THE PIC STATED IN HIS RPT THAT HAVING PASSED WASHINGTON, IA, HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS TO DRAW FUEL FROM THE LFT TANK WHICH INDICATED 1/2 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER SWITCHING, THE PIC STATED THE TANK WENT EMPTY. THE PIC THEN SWITCHED ON THE OTHER TANK WHICH HAD INDICATED 1/4 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER DOING SO, THE ENG QUIT AND THE PIC ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE WASHINGTON, IA, ARPT. THE ACFT CLIPPED A POWERLINE GUY WIRE DURING THE FORCED LANDING AND CRASHED SHORT INTO A FARM IMPLEMENT SALES LOT. INSP OF THE ACFT REVEALED LESS THAN 1 GAL TOTAL FUEL QUANTITY. NO LEAKS OR RUPTURE OF FUEL SYSTEM HARDWARE WAS FOUND WHICH COULD EXPLAIN THE LOW QUANTITY OF FUEL IN THE SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftVarga 2150A
Tail NumberN8259J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGeorge L Seyb
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind170° @ 6 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time04:50