ATL99LA096

Factual narrative

On May 20, 1999, at 1935 central daylight time, a Rutan Vari-Eze homebuilt airplane, N80SH, collided with the ground and nosed over shortly after takeoff from the Enterprise Airport, in Enterprise, Alabama. The airplane was operated by the commercial pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Enterprise, Alabama, at 1930. According to the pilot, he had forgotten to remove the fuel vent cover during his preflight inspection. Shortly after takeoff the engine lost power and the airplane collided with the ground during a forced landing. Damage consisted of the nose gear, propeller and vertical stabilizer. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. The pilot reported that he had forgotten to remove the fuel vent cover during his preflight inspection. Shortly after takeoff the engine lost power and the airplane collided with the ground during a forced landing. Damage consisted of the nose gear, propeller and vertical stabilizer. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12