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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

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NTSB Report

March 16, 1991 · Benson B8M · N6572K

Hartselle, AL

Overview

Report Status

Probable Cause

Event Type

Accident

Date

March 16, 1991

Injury Outcomes

1 injury (1 fatality)

Location

Hartselle, AL

Aircraft

Benson B8M

Tail Number

N6572K

Operator

Spivey Franklin G

Injuries

Fatal

Aircraft Damage

Substantial

NTSB Number

ATL91LA066

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS FLYING AT ABOUT 200 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL WHEN THE GYROCOPTER'S MAIN ROTOR SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE COMMERCIAL PILOT, WHO WAS NOT RATED IN GYROCOPTER'S HAD BUILT AND DID ALL THE MAINTENANCE ON THE GYROCOPTER. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RETAINER WASHER WAS MISSING FROM THE MAIN ROTOR BEARING BLOCK ASSEMBLY.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE MAIN ROTOR BEARING BLOCK BY THE OWNER/PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN THE SEPARATION OF THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM.

Full Narrative

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS FLYING AT ABOUT 200 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL WHEN THE GYROCOPTER'S MAIN ROTOR SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE COMMERCIAL PILOT, WHO WAS NOT RATED IN GYROCOPTER'S HAD BUILT AND DID ALL THE MAINTENANCE ON THE GYROCOPTER. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RETAINER WASHER WAS MISSING FROM THE MAIN ROTOR BEARING BLOCK ASSEMBLY.

Flight

Event TypeAccident

Event Time14:05 CST

Nearest AirportRountree Field (0nm N)

Runway0

Flight Plan FiledNone

Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBenson B8M

Tail NumberN6572K

Aircraft CategoryGyro

DamageSubstantial

OperatorSpivey Franklin G

Operating RulePart 91

Engines1

Engine TypeReciprocating

Engine DetailsMcculloch · Reciprocating · 90

Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)

Fatal1

Serious0

Minor0

Uninjured0

Total1

Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC

LightDaylight

Wind80° @ 8 kt

Visibility15 sm

CeilingOvercast 25000 ft

Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C

Altimeter0

Observation Time20:31

Weather SourceWFAC

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March 16, 1991 · Benson B8M · N6572K

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