Accident Details
On July 27, 2023, at approximately 1233 central daylight time, a Varga 2150A, registration N5601G, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Green Lake, Wisconsin. The pilot and passenger suffered minor injuries. The flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated he was en route to the annual Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, following the prescribed NOTAM arrival procedures. During the flight, the engine lost power. The pilot activated the auxiliary fuel pump, which temporarily restored power. Soon after, the engine lost power again, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing in a corn field. The airplane nosed over upon landing, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer.
Flight and Fuel Data
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data indicated the airplane departed from South Bend International Airport (KSBN) at 0856 and proceeded toward Oshkosh. The aircraft maneuvered southwest of Oshkosh before data ended at 1233, showing a total airborne time of 3 hours and 37 minutes. According to the Airplane Operations Manual, the airplane’s fuel capacity was 35 gallons, with 34 gallons usable. At 75% power with proper leaning, fuel consumption was between 8.5 and 8.7 gallons per hour, yielding an endurance of 3.9 to 4.0 hours without reserve.
Postaccident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the airplane at the accident scene, where it was found inverted in a corn field. No fuel odor was detected, and there was no evidence of a fuel spill. After righting the aircraft, inspectors examined the fuel tanks and found no usable fuel; the tanks were not compromised. A post-recovery examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.