Accident Rutan VariEze N55VE, Sunday 7 July 1985

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Date:	Sunday 7 July 1985
Time:	09:58 LT
Type:	Rutan VariEze
Owner/operator:	Jack C Mitchell
Registration:	N55VE
MSN:	677
Total airframe hrs:	13 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-235-L2C
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Sylacauga, AL - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
THE ACFT CONTACTED A PICK-UP TRUCK ON A HIGHWAY DURING A FORCED LANDING FOLLOWING A LOSS OF POWER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT DISCLOSED THAT THE FUEL VENT LINE WAS SEVERLY PACKED (BLOCKED) WITH MUD DOBBER MATERIAL.

Probable Cause:

Accident investigation: