# NTSB FTW95LA365: Funk, D.D. B-85C, N89V, Grants, NM, August 27, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 27, 1995, 16:13 local (22:13 UTC) - Place: Grants, NM - Coordinates: 35.149398, -107.82975 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1494&lon=-107.8298&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report March 21, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19557 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA365 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19557/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA365 ## Probable cause a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command - weather condition - high density altitude - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - terrain condition - rough/uneven ## Analysis The pilot reported that the engine appeared to be operating normally during startup, taxi, and the takeoff roll. After a gradual climb was initiated, and at approximately 80 mph, the engine began to run rough and lose rpm. Unable to stay airborne, the pilot executed a forced landing to a rough/uneven field. Upon ground contact, the airplane cartwheeled, resulting in structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The aircraft's total takeoff weight was estimated to be 1,584 pounds, which was 234 pounds over the maximum takeoff weight of 1,350 pounds. Additionally, the calculated density altitude at the time was approximately 9,000 feet. Examination and teardown of the engine did not reveal any anomalies or defects. ## Factual narrative On August 27, 1995, at 1613 mountain daylight time, a Funk B-85C, N89V, was destroyed during a forced landing following a loss of power after takeoff from Grants/Milan Airport, Grants, New Mexico. The pilot received minor injuries, the passenger was seriously injured. The airplane, owned by the pilot, was operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The personal cross country flight departed at 1610, and was en route to Winslow, Arizona. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that, the "engine of the aircraft appeared to be operating normally during start-up, taxi, and take off roll. The aircraft "accelerated normally" on take off roll, lifting off at "65 MPH." Flying "about 5 feet above the runway", the "indicated airspeed increased to 80 MPH" and a "gradual climb" was initiated. The pilot further reported that, "approximately 50 feet above ground level, the engine began to run rough and lose RPM." Unable to stay airborne, the pilot executed a forced landing to a "rough" field. Upon ground contact, the airplane "cartwheeled", resulting in structural damage to the wings and fuselage. After the accident, a FAA airworthiness inspector weighed the baggage (approximately 52 pounds) that was found on the aircraft. A vinyl case found on the aircraft contained a folder with operating limitations, weight and balance, and Form 337's for the 1946 vintage airplane. The latest weight and balance obtained from these records was dated 1/26/88. Subseqently, the aircraft's total take off weight was estimated from the following information: Aircraft empty weight 987.2 20 gallons of fuel* 120.0 Pilot** 229.0 Passenger** 196.0 Baggage 52.0 TOTAL 1,584.2 *According to the Fixed Base Operator, the pilot topped off the 20 gallon fuel tanks prior to take off. **Both occupants were weighed at the hospital after the accident. According to these calculations, the aircraft was 234 pounds over the maximum published take off weight of 1,350 pounds. Also, the calculated density altitude at the time of the accident was approximately 9,000 feet (See core form weather data). Examination and tear down of the engine did not reveal any defects or anomalies. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N89V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N89V-2021-01-30), registration cancelled 2021-01-30, S/N 288, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Funk, D.D. Aviation Co. B-85C - 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: 288 - Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Thadius W. Shellnutt - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1995 - Departed: GNT - Destination: INW, WINSLOW, AR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,630 total, 1,100 in this make and model, 1,530 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 130° at 10 knots - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: GNT, 1 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 19950827043619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950827043619A), Aug 27, 1995: Mclish B85C, Grants, NM, Destroyed. Reported power loss on climbout. Cartwheeled landing in rough terrain. 230LBS over gross. No engine anomalies. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.