Event FTW95LA365

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. 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. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12