# NTSB CHI85FA234: Republic RC-3, N6121K, Eveleth, MN, June 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1985, 13:20 local (18:20 UTC)
- Place: Eveleth, MN
- Coordinates: 47.459754, -92.539138 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4598&lon=-92.5391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 3 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12844
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85FA234
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12844/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA234

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,ignition harness - cracked (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - ignition system,spark plug - output low (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)
  - object - residence

## Analysis

ON TAKEOFF FROM ELY LAKE THE ACFT TURNED SHARP LEFT AT AN ALTITUDE OF 80-100 FT. AT THIS POINT THE ACFT CEASED RATED TO CLIMB AND DECENDED INTO TREES AND A LAKESIDE HOUSE. THE A CFT WAS IN EXCESS OF 400 LBS OVER GROSS WEIGHT. THE LADING GEAR AND NOSE BALLAST WAS INSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6121K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6121K-2013-07-23), registration cancelled 2013-07-23, S/N 307, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: REPUBLIC RC-3
- Registry model: [Republic RC-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/republic-rc-3) (registry code 3080202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A8 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a8-series) (registry code 27030, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 307
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A8 SERIES 215 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John T. Joyce
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1984, 8 hours before
- Destination: LAC LACROIX, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,022 total, 121 in this make and model, 11 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 170° at 14 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HIB, 17 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850616028289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850616028289A), Jun 16, 1985: Stolam RC3, Eveleth, MN, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Stalled into trees and house after overgross water takeoff. Low compression 3 cylinders, improper gap spark plugs.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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