Kjonaas VARIEZE N50894

Summary

On 17 March 2010 at about 15:30 local time, a Kjonaas VARIEZE registered N50894, operated by Blanchette Charles T, was involved in an accident near Casa Grande, Arizona, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 March 2010 at 15:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Casa Grande, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

33.2219, -112.1347

Aircraft

Kjonaas VARIEZE

Registration

N50894

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Blanchette Charles T

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Bisbee → Glendale

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR10LA166

1 person was seriously injured.

A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a cross-country flight, the pilot reported to air traffic control that the airplane's engine lost power. Later in the day, the wreckage was located on rough and uneven terrain. The first responder to the accident site reported that the airplane was inverted, and the injured pilot was trapped inside. While waiting for medical and rescue personnel, the pilot stated that he had run out of fuel and the engine had stopped running. Both wings of the airplane and its canard were found separated from the fuselage. There was a faint smell of auto fuel at the accident site, but no signs of fuel spillage in the soil or surrounding area. After the wreckage was recovered, two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors and a representative from the engine manufacturer examined the remains. They drained approximately 1/2 cup of liquid from the gascolator and estimated that it consisted of approximately 95 percent rust-contaminated water and 5 percent clear fluid, which was likely automobile gasoline. The bowl of the gascolator was found rusted and contained a reddish sludge. The engine exhibited drive train continuity and no abnormalities were identified which would have prevented normal operation. The airplane's maintenance records and pilot's flight log book were not located. The pilot's family members reported to Safety Board investigators that his medical condition precluded an interview or having him provide a written statement.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.