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NTSB Report
July 9, 1985 · William G Cloaninger Vari-Eze · N450Z
Albemarle, NC
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 9, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Albemarle, NC
Aircraft
William G Cloaninger Vari-Eze
Tail Number
N450Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL85LA209
DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENG LOST POWER AS THE PLT MADE A LEFT TURN. HE TRIED TO GLIDE BACK TO THE RWY, BUT WAS UNABLE. THE ACFT WAS LANDED IN A FIELD ABOUT 300 YDS SHORT OF THE RWY. DURING THE LANDING, ALL 3 GEAR WERE TORN OFF THE ACFT, AND THE FUSELAGE, A FUEL TANK & THE CANOPY WERE CRACKED. THE PLT STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY WATER IN THE CARBURETOR. ALSO HE STATED THAT HE HAD CHECKED BOTH FUEL TANKS BEFORE HE TOOK OFF; AFTER THE ACDNT, HE CHECKED THE FUEL BOWL & IT WAS FULL OF WATER.
Full Narrative
DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENG LOST POWER AS THE PLT MADE A LEFT TURN. HE TRIED TO GLIDE BACK TO THE RWY, BUT WAS UNABLE. THE ACFT WAS LANDED IN A FIELD ABOUT 300 YDS SHORT OF THE RWY. DURING THE LANDING, ALL 3 GEAR WERE TORN OFF THE ACFT, AND THE FUSELAGE, A FUEL TANK & THE CANOPY WERE CRACKED. THE PLT STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY WATER IN THE CARBURETOR. ALSO HE STATED THAT HE HAD CHECKED BOTH FUEL TANKS BEFORE HE TOOK OFF; AFTER THE ACDNT, HE CHECKED THE FUEL BOWL & IT WAS FULL OF WATER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest AirportStanley County (2nm NE)
Runway4
Runway Length4400 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWilliam G Cloaninger Vari-Eze
Tail NumberN450Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO