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NTSB Report
July 26, 2003 · Ference Varieze · N617JF
Macomb, MI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Macomb, MI
Aircraft
Ference Varieze
Tail Number
N617JF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA228
An experimental amateur-built airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with a Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) antenna and with terrain during a takeoff. The pilot reported minor injuries. The pilot stated, "Canopy was not secured properly prior to take off, and opened in flight just after rotation. Pilot lost control of the aircraft attempting to close the canopy in flight."
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to secure the window canopy before takeoff and his failure to maintain directional control which resulted in a loss of control. The pilot's diverted attention is a contributing factor.
Full Narrative
On July 25, 2003, about 2000 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Ference Varieze, N617JF, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with a Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) antenna and with terrain during a takeoff from runway 22 (4,193 feet by 60 feet, asphalt) at Berz-Macomb Airport (UIZ), near Macomb, Michigan. The personal flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported minor injuries. The local flight was originating from UIZ at the time of the accident. The pilot stated: Canopy was not secured properly prior to take off, and opened in flight just after rotation. Pilot lost control of the aircraft attempting to close the canopy in flight.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 EDT
Nearest AirportBerz-Macomb (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length4193 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftFerence Varieze
Tail NumberN617JF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · 80A · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time23:55
Weather SourceWFAC