On 5 Apr 2017, a FUNK B85C was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar City, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During the takeoff roll, a tailwheel-equipped airplane veered left, then violently turned right, exited the runway, and nosed over. The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical failures.
Accident Details
A pilot was operating a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied control inputs to correct the deviation. In response, the airplane "violently" turned to the right and exited the runway. The pilot then reduced the engine power, and the airplane nosed over. The sequence of events occurred on the runway and adjacent terrain.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage. The left-wing lift strut and the empennage were affected. The damage rendered the airplane not airworthy without repair.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was in proper working order before the event.
Contributing factors
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot