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NTSB Report
February 17, 1985 · Rutan Varieze · N101MW
Mt. Vernon, IL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 17, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mt. Vernon, IL
Aircraft
Rutan Varieze
Tail Number
N101MW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI85LA113
THE ACFT LNDG GEAR COLLAPSED AFTER SEVERAL LNDGS. THE PLT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH & GO LNDGS AND COMPLETED 5 CIRCUITS. DURING THE 6TH LNDG THE MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED AT TOUCHDOWN. THE NOSE GEAR THEN COLLAPSED THIS MODEL VARIEZE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A LNDG GEAR THAT WAS FOUND TO BE TOO WEAK. LATER VERSIONS HAD AN IMPROVED SYSTEM WHICH WAS STRONGER. NO PROVISION TO MAKE THE CHANGE MADATORY HAD BEEN MADE.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT LNDG GEAR COLLAPSED AFTER SEVERAL LNDGS. THE PLT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH & GO LNDGS AND COMPLETED 5 CIRCUITS. DURING THE 6TH LNDG THE MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED AT TOUCHDOWN. THE NOSE GEAR THEN COLLAPSED THIS MODEL VARIEZE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A LNDG GEAR THAT WAS FOUND TO BE TOO WEAK. LATER VERSIONS HAD AN IMPROVED SYSTEM WHICH WAS STRONGER. NO PROVISION TO MAKE THE CHANGE MADATORY HAD BEEN MADE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CST
Nearest AirportMTVERNON (0nm N)
Runway33
Runway Length3149 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRutan Varieze
Tail NumberN101MW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC