VG-21 Squadron

Newsletters

MORRISEY/SHINN/VARGA

NEWS:
The web site, www.vg-21.org is gone for now. Doc Adams was unable to continue supporting it and I don’t have the time or skill right now to set up another. In the meantime, Tom Herr has a very good Varga site at www.iflyherr. com /vg21.html that has much of the same good information.

EVENTS:
The Copperstate Fly-In October 7-10. 1 won’t be there because my airplane is still broken but I am going to set up a picnic at Falcon Field Park on Saturday, October 9. I’ll have a ramada reserved from 10 AM to 2 PM and will have an ample supply of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and soft drinks on hand if you care to drop by and say “Hi”! The park is located at the SW corner of the airport just across the street from the Champlin Air Museum . If you fly in, just ask the tower to direct you to hanger A9 and I’ll find a place for you to park.

PLANES & PARTS:
OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE: I requested a quote from Instrument Tech for 10 Varga Oil Temperature Gauges. As Rochester Gauge’s sales representative, Instrument Tech’s Bill Pruitt will get a quote from them, add his com mission and, hopefully get back with me soon on the cost of each gauge. I’ll let you know when I hear from him.

Trammel Davis talked to Curt LoPresti who owns a Varga Speed Cowl STC and will sell it for $8,000. Trammel wants to know how many Varga owners would be willing to share the cost of buying the STC and tooling in order to get a potential 10 MPH increase in speed. I told Trammel that anyone interested in doing this should understand that upgrading the tooling, manufacturing and modifying parts (including the propeller), FAA approvals and installation labor would add considerably to the cost of each cowl. Of course, up to a point, if more people buy in the cheaper it will be. I suggest that, for example, if 10 people com mitted, it might cost $4,000 to $5,000 per cowl but if 20 people invested, it might be half that amount.
Anyway, give me a call or e-mail if you’re interested and I’ll give you Trammel’s phone number or pass the word on to him.

MEMBERS & OWNERS:
VG-21 Membership: A $20 annual donation will cover all the printing and mailing costs for at least four issues a year and will help pay for return phone calls, letters and postage when you have questions or com ments that require a quick or personal response. Beery VG-21 Newsletters: $10 covers most of the printing and mailing costs for all issues. Old Bishop VG-21 Newsletters: $1.00 per issue (includes postage).
For those of you who don’t know, I am the former Varga Aircraft Corporation engineering manager (1975-1982) and may be able to help you with a problem. I can be reached at:

Max Bishop
2062 West Gila
Chandler , Arizona 85224
(480)786-3578 (evenings)
(480)891-6152 (days)
e-mail: maxbishop@gowebway. com

You may also be able to find me at hanger A9 or hanger RR2 at Falcon Field in Mesa .

MAINTENANCE:
I was asked about re com mended tire pressures. Most tire manufacturers re com mend 40+psi for best tire wear and the Varga maintenance and operator’s manuals both re com mend 42 psi for the mains and 50 psi for the nose.

However, if I remember correctly, Bill Morrisey pointed out to me one time that landing gear drop tests determined that about 24 psi in the main gear tires was the best pressure for landing gear and airframe wear and tear. 1 don’t remember what the nose gear tire pressure was supposed to be but I suspect it was around 30 psi.
I think the lower tire pressures would be better.

DO NOT do any of the following!!!

MKC8BLA146
NTSB Identification: MKCIUILM46 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 37309A

Accident occurred AUG-Cl-SB at WASHINGTON, IA Aircraft; VARGA 2150A, registration:
N8259J Injuries: 1 Minor, l Uninjured.

WHILE ENROUTE THE PlC RPTD A LOSS OF ENG PWR THE PlC STATED IN HIS RPT THAT HAVING
PASSED WASHINGTON, IA, HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS TO DRAW FUEL FROM THE LEFT TANK WHICH
INDICATED 1/2 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER SWITCHING, THE PlC STATED THE TANK WENT EMPTY. THE
PlC THEN SWITCHED ON THE OTHER TANK WHICH HAD INDICATED 1/4 FULL. SHORTLY AFTER DOING
SO THE ENG QUIT AND THE PlC ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE WASHINGTON IA, ARPT. THE ACFT
CLIPPED A POWERLINE GUY WIRE DURING THE FORCED LANDING AND CRASHED SHORT INTO A FARM
IMPLEMENT SALES LOT . INSP OF THE ACET REVEALED LESS THAN I GAL TOTAL FUEL QUANTITY.
NO LEAKS OR RUPTURE OF FUEL SYSTEM HARDWARE WAS FOUND WHICH COULD EXPLAIN THE LOW
QUANTITY OF FUEL IN THE SYSTEM.

Probable Cause

Fluid, fuel..Exhaustion
Preflight planning/preparation..Inadequate..Pilot in com mand
Fuel consumption calculations..Improper..Pilot in com mand
In-flight planning/decision..Inadequate..Pilot in com mand

Contributing Factors

MKCB8FAO26

NTSB Identification: MKC88FAO26 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 35620A

Accident occurred DEC-l987 at CONROE , TX Aircraft: VARGA 2150A, registration: N4VK

Injuries: 2 Serious.

THE PILOT TOOK OFF FOR A SHORT FLIGHT WITHOUT BEING SURE OF HIS FUEL QUANTITY. HE WAS
NOT ABLE TO LOCATE HIS DESTINATION WHICH WAS 32 NM FROM HIS DEPARTURE AIRPORT . THE
ENGINE STOPPED AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A FORCED LANDING. DURING THE FORCED LANDING,
THE AIRPLANE HIT TREES, UPRIGHT POSITION. INSPECTION FOUND THE FUEL TANK EMPTY AND NO
LEAKS IN THE FUEL SYSTEM.

Probable Cause

Preflight planning/preparatiort.ladequate..Pilot in com mand
Fluid, fuel..Exhaustion

 
Contributing Factors

Refueling. .Not performed. .Pilot in com mand
In-flight planning/decision. . Inadequate. .Pilot in com mand

LAX 87 LAO 76

NTSB Identification: LAX87LAW6 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 35333A

Accident occurred JAN—04—87 at HAYWARD , CA Aircraft: VARGA 2150A, registration:
N5076V Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious.

AFTER RTRNG FM A FLT, THE PLT TOOK OFF AGAIN (USING RWY 28L) & TURNED TO THE SE. A
WITNESS (SE OF THE ARPT) SAID HE SAW THE ACFT AT LOW ALT (ESTD 100 TO 200 FT) FLYING
IN HIS DRCTN. HE NOTED NO OTR INDCN OF A PROBLEM UNTIL AFTER THE ACFT MADE A “VERY
SHARP BANKING TURN TO THE LEFT” & REVERSED DRCTN BACK TO THE ARPT. THE WITNESS SAID
THAT U’4EDIATELY AFTER THE TURN WAS COMPLETED, THE ENG SPUTTERED & THE ACFT SUDDENLY
ENTERED A STEEP DSCNT & CRASHED. IMPACT OCCURRED NEAR THE APCH END OF RWY 28L. BFR
GND IMPACT, THE ACFT HIT PWR LINES, CAUSING A PWR OUTAGE IN THE AREA. THE FUEL SYS
WAS CONFIGURED FOR BOTH TANKS TO FEED. ONE FUEL TANK WAS FND EMPTY, THE OTR HAD APEX
5 GAL REMAINING; HOWEVER, THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT MAY HAVE LEAKED AFTER THE CRASH WAS
NOT VERIFIED. AN ENG TEAR DOWN SHOWED NO INDCN OF A PREIMPACT MECH FAILURE, BUT THE
CARP HEAT WAS FND IN THE “OFF” PSN. TEMP & DEW POINT WERE 47 & 45 DEG, RESPECTIVELY.
ICING PROBABILITY CHARTS SHOWED THAT SERIOUS CARE ICING COULD HAVE OCCURRED WHILE AT
A CRUISE OR GLIDE POWER SETTING.

Probable Cause

Reason for occurrence undetermined..no modifier specified.. no person specified

SEAS 6LA185

NTSB Identification: SEAB6LA185 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 31493A

Accident occurred JUL—31-86 at EVERETT , WA Aircraft: VARGA 2150A, registration:
N5074V Injuries: 1 Uninjured,

THE ELT REPORTED HE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A WHEAT FIELD FOLLOWING A LOSS OF
POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE ACFT STRUCK A DITCH AND NOSED OVER DURING THE
LANDING ROLL. THE PLT STATED HE SHOULD HAVE REFUELED AT THE LAST STOP.

Probable Cause

Fuel consumption calculations. .Misjudqed. .Pilot in com mand
Refueling..Not performed.. Pilot in com mand

Contributing Factors

Terrain condition.. Crop
Terrain condition..Ditch

SEAS6LA14O
NTSB Identification: SEA86LA1QO For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 31312A

Accident occurred JUN-07-86 at BEAR TRAP, ID Aircraft: VARGA 2050A, registration:
N5077V Injuries: 2 Minor.

DURING A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT ALLOWED THE STUDENT TO ENTER
INTO A STALL WHILE TURNING FROM BASE TO FINAL. ALTHOUGH THE INSTRUCIOR ATTEMPTED TO
CORRECT THE STUDENT’S MISTAKES HE ALLOWED THE STUDENT TO GO TOO FAR WITH THE TASK
BEFORE MAKING THE CORRECTION. THE INSTRUCTOR WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE AIRCRAFT AND
LEVEL THE WINGS BUT WAS UNABLE TO KEEP THE AIRCRAET FROM STRIKING THE GROUND HARD DUE
TO THE LOW ALTITUDE IN WHICH THE STALL OCCURRED. AFTER STRIKING THE GROUND THE
AIRCRAEI*S NOSE GEAR SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT AND IT THEN NOSED OVER INVERTED.

Probable Cause

Stall.. Inadvertent. .Pilot in com mand(CFI)
Supervision.. Improper. .Pilot in com mand(CFI)

Contributing Factors

Instructions, written/verbal. .Not understood. .Dual student

MIA86LA16O

NTSB Identification: MIAG6LA16O For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 307111A

Accident occurred MAY-16—86 at KILN, MS Aircraft: VARGA 2150A, registration: N5601G Injuries: 1 Minor.

 
THE PLT STATED THAT WHILE ON LOCAL FLIGHT HE RAN OUT OF FUEL & UPON LANDING IN A FIELD, THE ACFT STRUCK A TREE, SEVERING THE WINGS.

Probable Cause

Fuel consumption calculations.. Inadequate. .Pilot in com mand
Refueling. .Not performed. . Pilot in com mand

CH191LA279

NTSB Identification: CH191LA279 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 45249A
Accident occurred SEP-01-91 at DECATUR , IL Aircraft: VARGA 2180, registration: N686EE Injuries: 2 Uninjured

THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND TERRAIN WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLIMB FROM
TAKEOFF WITH A SAILPLANE IN TOW. THE SAILPLANE RELEASED FROM THE TOW PLANE AND
RETURNED TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT . ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED
LIGHT TO MODERATE TURBULENCE DURING INITIAL CLIMB AND THE AIRPLANE SANK INTO TREES
ONE MILE NORTH OF THE AIRPORT. IN AN INTERVIEW AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE PILOT DID NOT
REMEMBER DOING A WEIGHT AND BALANCE CALCULATION BEFORE TAKEOFF. WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT
STALL RECOGNITION AND RECOVERY THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE WAS
DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AIRCRAFT IN THAT YOU ONLY HAD TO HOLD THE NOSE UP AND THE
AIRPLANE WOULD FLY ITSELF OUT. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS
2500 FEET. THE AIRPLANE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE AT OR SLIGHTLY ABOVE ALLOWABLE GROSS
WEIGHT AT TAKEOFF.

Probable Cause

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION AND AIRPLANE PERFORMANCE DATA NOT
UNDERSTOOD BY THE PILOT. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE THE PILOTS LACK OF
TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN TYPE OF OPERATION, DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION, AND THE OPERATOR’S
INSUFFICIENT STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS.

CHI9ODEP11

NTSB Identification: CHI900EP11 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 42303A

Accident occurred SEP-22-90 at NEENAH , WI Aircraft: VARGA AIRCRAFT CORP. KACHINA 2150A, registration: N5422T Injuries: 2 Minor.

DURING CLIMB TO CRUISE THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. A
FORCED LANDING WAS MADE AND ON TOUCHDOWN IN A SOFT FIELD THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED AND
THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF USABLE FUEL ON
BOARD THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT STATED HE HAD INTENTIONALLY BEEN OPERATING THE AIRCRAFT
IN A LOW FUEL STATE IN ORDER TO HAVE THE FUEL VALVES INSPECTED, WHICH HE STATED COULD
NOT BE DONE WITH FULL TANKS. Probable Cause THE PILOTS MISJUDGEMENT OF THE FUEL
SUPPLY, AND HIS FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRCRAFT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE
UNSUITABLE, SOFT TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED.

ATL89LAI 11

NTSB Identification: ATLS9LA111 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 40235A

Accident occurred MAR-18-89 at LENOIR , NC Aircraft: MORRISEY(VARGA) 2150A, registration: N41HB Injuries: 1 Fatal.

 
THE EVIDENCE INDICATED THAT THE PILOT AND/OR OTHERS HAD JUST COMPLETED REASSEMBLY OF
HIS AIRPLANE AFTER HAVING IT REPAINTED AT AN AUTOMOTIVE PAINT SHOP. AFTER FUELING THE
TANKS HE ELECTED TO TRY A FLIGHT AROUND THE LOCAL PVT AIRSTRIP IN THE VICINITY OF
RAPIDLY APPROACHING THUNDERS TORMS. JUST AFTER LIFT OFF, HE ENCOUNTERED HEAVY RAIN AND
ABORTED THE FIRST LANDING ATTEMPT. HE THEN TRIED TO MAKE A LOW ALTITUDE TEARDROP
APPROACH TO LANDING ON THE OPPOSITE RUNWAY. DURING THE TURN TO FINAL, THE AIRPLANE
WAS OBSERVED TO ROLL INVERTED AND COLLIDE WITH THE GROUND. THE AIRPLANE AND PILOT HAD
NOT FLOWN FOR OVER THREE MONTHS.

Probable Cause

PILOT DISREGARDED THE APPARENT SEVERITY OF THE APPROACHING THUNDERSTORMS AND
ATTEMPTED A CIRCUIT OF THE AIRPORT UNDER VISUAL FLIGHT RULES WHEN IT WAS NOT
POSSIBLE. THE PILOTS LACK OF RECENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

LAX87 FAQ 96

NTSB Identification: LAXS7FAO96 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 37196A
Accident occurred JAN-16—87 at MT. BALDY , CA Aircraft: MORRISEY 2150A, registration:
N5138V Injuries: 2 Fatal.

DURING A LOCAL FIT, THE AIRPLANE WAS SEEN CIRCLING OVER A RIDGE FOUR TIMES. ON THE
FIFTH PASS , THE AIRPLANE DISAPPEARED NORTHBOUND INTO THE CLOUDS. A WITNESS REPORTED
THAT AT THE TIME THE MT TOPS WERE COVERED WITH FOG AND THAT BLIZZARD CONDITIONS
EXISTED. DURING THE ON SCENE ‘INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE AIRPLANE’S LEFT
WING STRUCK A TREE. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL 300 TO 400 YARDS BEFORE COMING
TO REST ON THE FAR SIDE OF A DEEP RAVINE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST ANY PREIMPACT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRPLANE.

Probable Cause

In-flight planning/decision.Improper..Pilot in com mand
VFR flight into IMC..Intentional..Pilot in com mand

Contributing Factors

LAX83LA204

NTSB Identification: LAX83LA204 For Details refer to NTSB microfiche number 20739A

Accident occurred APR-24-83 at CHANDLER , AZ Aircraft: VARGA 2150A, registration N8296J Injuries: 2 Uninjured

ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AFTER GAINING ABOUT 50-75 FT OF ALTITUDE A STRONG VERTICAL GUST
WAS ENCOUNTERED WHICH INCREASED THE ACFTS PITCH ATTITUDE TO A CRITICAL ANGLE
WHEREUPON THE ACFT STALLED. RECOVERY WAS INCOMPLETE & THE ACFT IMPACTED THE TAXIWAY
NORTH OF THE DEPARTURE RWY 22 A NEAR LEVEL FLIGHT ATTITUDE. BOTH THE PLT & THE REAR
SEAT PAX/PLT STATED THAT THEIR CLIMB OUT ANGLE WAS NOT PARTICULARLY STEEP WHEN THE
GUST, WHICH WAS PROBABLY A DUST DEVIL, WAS ENCOUNTERED.

Probable Cause

Weather condition. .unfavorable wind
Weather condition. Gusts 

MKC83LAOS9

NTSE Identification: MKCIULAO19 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 20342A
Accident occurred APR—10—83 at MOLINE , KS Aircraft: VARGA 2150A, registration: NS281J Injuries: 3 Uninjured.

THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES ON FINAL APPROACH BUT A LANDING WAS
ACCOMPLISHED ON THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD MADE 2 PRIOR LANDINGS ON THE
SAME RUNWAY AND DID NOT SEE THE WIRES. DURING THIS APPROACH HE SAW THE WIRES AND
TRIED TO FLY UNDER THEM THE CANOPY VERTICAL FIN AND RUDDER WERE DAMAGED. THE PILOT
APPLIED PULL POWER AND MADE A HARD LANDING WHICH DAMAGED THE LEFT LANDING GEAR STRUT.
THE AOPA AIRPORT PUBLICATION LISTS THE POWERLINE AS AN OBSTRUCTION AT THIS AIRPORT.
THE WIRES WERE NOT MARKED.

Probable Cause

Proper altitude. .Not maintained. .Pilot in com mand
Visual lookout.. Inadequate..Pilot in com mand

Contributing Factors

Object.. Wire, transmission Airport facilities, obstruction marking..Inadequate
Landing gear, main gear strut.. Overload