Primary finding
Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that after a normal runup and takeoff, the engine rpm dropped from 2400 to 2000. He had insufficient runway available to abort the takeoff and made an emergency landing on a nearby road. The aircraft impacted a fence near the edge of the road.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 20, 1995, approximately 1630 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Beech 77, N3850J, impacted a fence while attempting an emergency landing just after takeoff from New Meadows Airport, New Meadows, Idaho. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The personal pleasure flight, which was departing for Boise, Idaho, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and the ELT, which was activated by the impact, was turned off at the scene. According to the pilot, the aircraft experienced a partial power loss just after takeoff, and he attempted to land on a nearby road. During the attempted emergency landing, the aircraft impacted a fence near the edge of the road. The aircraft was inspected after the accident by FAA inspectors, who noted that the carburetor was running very rich. The carburetor was removed and tested, with no abnormalities noted. No mechanical discrepancies were found. -