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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 4, 2005 · Hanson Varieze · N220EZ

New Cumberland, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 4, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
New Cumberland, PA
Aircraft
Hanson Varieze
Tail Number
N220EZ
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD05LA147

The airplane had been airborne for about 5 minutes when the engine lost power. The pilot then force landed in a field, and the airplane nosed over. During a post-accident examination, the propeller was replaced, and the engine was started and operated for about 5 minutes at 1,700 rpm. The fuel system was also examined, and the fuel screens in both fuel tanks were found to be covered in a "fine muddy silt," consistent with mud dauber activity. A subsequent fuel analysis revealed that particulate contamination and gum levels were "very high." The fuel tanks had been open during the airplane's construction, and the airplane had about 30 hours of operation at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The owner/builder's inadequate fuel tank inspection during construction, which resulted in fuel contamination and subsequent fuel starvation to the engine.

Full Narrative

On September 4, 2005, at 1754 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt VariEze, N220EZ, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot incurred minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight, which originated at Capital City Airport (CXY), New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane had been airborne about 5 minutes when the engine lost power. The pilot then force landed in a field, and the airplane nosed over. During a post-accident examination of the airplane, the propeller was replaced, and the engine was started and operated for about 5 minutes at 1,700 rpm. The fuel system was also examined, and the fuel screens in both fuel tanks were found to be covered in a "fine muddy silt." A subsequent fuel analysis revealed that "particulate contamination and gum levels [were] very high." The fuel tanks had been open during the airplane's construction, and the airplane had about 30 hours of operation at the time of the accident. The pilot held a private pilot certificate. On his latest application for an FAA third class medical certificate, dated May 1, 2003, he reported 70 hours of flight time. Despite multiple requests and a verbal assurance that he would do so, the pilot did not return a NTSB Form 6120.1, as required per 49 CFR 831, which may have provided additional information regarding this event.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:54 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHanson Varieze
Tail NumberN220EZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data