# NTSB CHI92LA295: Funk, D.D. B85C, N1609N, Buffalo, MN, September 29, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1992, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Buffalo, MN
- Coordinates: 45.170467, -93.86061 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1705&lon=-93.8606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15562
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA295
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15562/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA295

## Probable cause

THE CONTAMINATION OF THE CARBURETOR, INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION BY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL, AND THE INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE SERVICING BY THE PILOT/OWNER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,carburetor - contamination (cause)
  - fuel system,screen - improper
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - maintenance,modification - improper, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - aircraft service - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ON DOWN WIND FOR HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH. IT SUBSEQUENTLY QUIT, AND TREES AND TERRAIN WERE STRUCK DURING THE ENSUING FORCED LANDING. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM DISCLOSED NO SUBSTANTIVE MECHANICAL ANOMALIES WITH THE ENGINE.  THE CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER SCREEN CAP WAS INSTALLED USING A GASKET ADHESIVE INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GASKET, AND A LARGE QUANTITY OF FOREIGN PARTICULATE MATTER WAS FOUND IN THE CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1609N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1609N), registered now, S/N 394, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Funk, D.D. Aviation Co. B85C
- Registry model: [Funk B85C](https://openairdocs.org/model/funk-b85c) (registry code 5480208) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 394
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Peterson, Wallace H., Sr.
- Registered owner: Peterson, Wallace H., Sr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 18, 1992, 2 hours before
- Departed: PVT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 21,000 total, 300 in this make and model, 17,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19920929039229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920929039229A), Sep 29, 1992: Mclish B85C, Buffalo, MN, Substantial damage. Engine quit on downwind. Struck trees. Carb fouled with sealant. Shoddy,improper repairs parts engine area.

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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