# NTSB MKC85FA086: Beech B95, N95UP, Mena, AR, April 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 19, 1985, 14:40 local (20:40 UTC)
- Place: Mena, AR
- Coordinates: 34.579994, -94.230613 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5800&lon=-94.2306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33830
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85FA086
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33830/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FA086

## 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)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - object - tree(s)
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - altitude - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - gear extension - premature, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

N95UP WAS MAKING THE FIRST FLT AFTER BOTH ENGINES WERE OVERHAULED. THE OWNER OF THE OVERHAUL FACILITY WAS THE PILOT AND THE PASSENGER WAS THE FOREMAN WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR INSTALLING ENGINES. A WITNESS WHO IS EMPLOYED ON THE AIRPORT HEARDTHE ACFT TAKEOFF AND SAID THE ENGINES DID NOT SOUND RIGHT. HE FOLLOWED THE SOUND OF THE ACFT AND THEN SAW IT NE OF THE AIRPORT HEADING TOWARD THE MIDDLE OF THE N/S RWY, THE ONLY RWY AVAILABLE. THE ACFT WAS AT LOW ALT WITH THE LEFT PROP FEATHERED AND LANDING GEAR DOWN. WHEN THE ACFT WAS 1/4 MI FROM RWY IT HIT A 50 FT TALL PINE TREE, ROLLED INVERTED AND CRASHED. VMC WITH STRONG, GUSTY SURFACE WINDS PREVAILED AT THE TIME OF THE ACDT. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL THE SINGLE ENGINE RATE OF CLIMB WITH GEAR UP AND PROP FEATHERED AT 2500 FT PRESSURE ALT FOR A 3500# ACFT IS &320 FT/MIN. FOR WINDMILLING PROP AND GEAR DOWN CONFIGURATION THE RATE OF CLIMB IS -230 FT/MIN. EXAM OF THE ACFT AND LEFT ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE OF ANY PREIMPACT FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N95UP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BEECH B95
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: TD451
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Blue Diamond Industries
- Registered owner: Gene R. Fulmer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 5, 1985
- Departed: M39
- Airport: M39, Intermtn. Reginal, runway 17, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 16,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19850419013549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850419013549A), Apr 19, 1985: Beech B95, Mena, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Engine shutdown after takeoff for unknown reason. Attempted return to airport with gear down and struck tree.

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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