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NTSB Report
October 10, 1992 · Bensen B-8M · N3777R
Holly Ridge, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 10, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Holly Ridge, NC
Aircraft
Bensen B-8M
Tail Number
N3777R
Operator
Alford James B
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL93LA007
ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S FATHER, THE PURPOSE OF THE OPERATION WAS TO TEST AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE GYROCOPTER'S FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS AFTER THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED. THE PILOT'S FATHER FOLLOWED THE AIRCRAFT ON THE LONG RUNWAY AND OBSERVED THE GROUND TEST AS THE PILOT MADE SEVERAL TOUCH AND GO TYPE MANEUVERS. AS HE APPROACHED THE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE, AND THE AIRCRAFT BECAME AIRBORNE. THE AIRCRAFT INITIALLY CLIMBED OVER THE TREE LINE ON THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY AND WAS LAST SEEN DESCENDING BELOW THE TREE TOPS. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT HAD 917 HOURS OF HELICOPTER FLIGHT TIME, BUT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF GYROCOPTER FLIGHT TIME.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OPERATE THE FLIGHT CONTROLS PROPERLY.
Full Narrative
ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S FATHER, THE PURPOSE OF THE OPERATION WAS TO TEST AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE GYROCOPTER'S FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS AFTER THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED. THE PILOT'S FATHER FOLLOWED THE AIRCRAFT ON THE LONG RUNWAY AND OBSERVED THE GROUND TEST AS THE PILOT MADE SEVERAL TOUCH AND GO TYPE MANEUVERS. AS HE APPROACHED THE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE, AND THE AIRCRAFT BECAME AIRBORNE. THE AIRCRAFT INITIALLY CLIMBED OVER THE TREE LINE ON THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY AND WAS LAST SEEN DESCENDING BELOW THE TREE TOPS. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT HAD 917 HOURS OF HELICOPTER FLIGHT TIME, BUT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF GYROCOPTER FLIGHT TIME.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBensen B-8M
Tail NumberN3777R
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAlford James B
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · CONVERSION · Reciprocating · 35
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:00
Weather SourceWFAC