Accident Rutan VariEze N20VR, Monday 4 September 1989

You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.

Date:	Monday 4 September 1989
Time:	10:35 LT
Type:	Rutan VariEze
Owner/operator:	Joseph Rayne
Registration:	N20VR
MSN:	JR 200
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320-C3B
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Clinton, MI - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Clinton, MI (NONE)
Destination airport:	Jackson, MI (KJXN)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE INITIAL CLIMBOUT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT SKIDDED ACROSS A DIRT ROAD AND RAN INTO A FENCE BEFORE IT CAME TO REST IN A DITCH. THE CAUSE OF THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WAS UNDETERMINED.

Probable Cause: UNDETERMINED LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING INITIAL CLIMBOUT. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

Accident investigation: