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NTSB Report

June 15, 1998 · Moore B-8MJ · N4874X

Pauls Valley, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 15, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Pauls Valley, OK
Aircraft
Moore B-8MJ
Tail Number
N4874X
Operator
Lloyd a Milligan
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA263

Witnesses observed the pilot flying the gyroplane around the airport at a 'low altitude' for about 30-35 minutes, and then land. The pilot made adjustments to the rotor head trim and then took off again. The witnesses reported that the pilot 'did a lot of very low flying between hangars, [and] never got over 15-20 feet high.' A witness reported that the pilot made another low pass over them close to the north end of a hangar. The pilot then flew down the NW runway and to the west out of their view. When the aircraft returned from the west, it was about 10 to 12 feet agl. As the aircraft came around the hangar, a rotor blade struck the hangar door support, separating the rotor blade from the aircraft. The gyroplane came to rest inverted. The pilot was wearing a helmet; however, the strap did not have a buckle.

NTSB Probable Cause

The non-certificated pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the hangar. A factor was the pilot's maneuvering at a low altitude.

Full Narrative

On June 14, 1998, at 2006 central daylight time, a Moore B-8MJ gyroplane, N4874X, registered to and operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it collided with a hangar at the Pauls Valley Municipal Airport, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. The non-certificated pilot, sole occupant, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 local test flight. According to the prospective buyer of the gyroplane, the pilot was performing a test flight, which was part of a purchasing agreement. Witnesses reported that they observed the pilot flying the aircraft around the airport at a "low altitude" for about 30-35 minutes, and then land. The pilot made adjustments to the rotor head trim and then took off again. The witnesses further reported that the pilot "did a lot of very low flying between hangars, [and] never got over 15-20 feet high." During this second flight, the airport manager informed the witnesses (one witness was the prospective buyer) that the pilot must "comply with FAA regulations and fly the traffic pattern." The witnesses agreed to talk to the pilot when he landed. A witness reported that the pilot "made another low pass over Paul and I, which was close to the north end of a hangar." The pilot "then flew down the NW runway and to the west, [and] we could not see him at this time." The witnesses reported that when the aircraft came back from the west, it was about 10 to 12 feet agl. As the aircraft came around the hangar, a rotor blade struck the hangar door support, separating the rotor blade from the aircraft. The gyroplane came to rest inverted. According to FAA records, the 51-year-old pilot did not possess a pilot or medical certificate. The gryroplane was registered with the FAA on June 14, 1984, by the original builder. The builder sold the aircraft to another individual. There were conflicting reports on who owned the aircraft at the time of the accident, and attempts to identify the owner were unsuccessful. An autopsy was performed by Chai S. Choi, M.D., Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There was no evidence found of any preexisting medical problems/issues that could have contributed to the accident. Toxicology findings were positive for Lidocaine; however, according to Dr. Canfield, Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI), "the Lidocaine detected in blood was most likely administered as part of emergency treatment after the accident." The pilot was wearing a helmet; however, the strap did not have a buckle.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:06 CDT
Nearest AirportPauls Valley Municipal (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMoore B-8MJ
Tail NumberN4874X
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLloyd a Milligan
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data