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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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February 20, 2000 · Kretsinger Bensen B8M · N2436

Wayzata, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 20, 2000
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Wayzata, MN
Aircraft
Kretsinger Bensen B8M
Tail Number
N2436
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI00LA075

The gyrocopter nosed over after impacting the terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering. The pilot reported he was practicing low level maneuvers at an altitude of about 200 feet above the frozen lake. He reported he made a left turn to the east and in doing so, he encountered a tailwind. He reported the gyrocopter began settling rapidly and he attempted to lower the nose to gain airspeed. He reported the main gear contacted the 8 inches of snow which covered the frozen lake and the gyrocopter nosed over.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's poor inflight planning in that he turned into a tailwind which resulted in diminished airspeed. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind, low altitude maneuvering, the snow covered terrain, and the pilot's inability to successfully perform remedial action.

Full Narrative

On February 20, 2000, at 1500 central standard time, a Kretsinger Bensen B8M gyrocopter, N2436, collided with the terrain and nosed over following a loss of control while maneuvering over Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, Minnesota. The pilot received minor injuries and the gyrocopter was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. There was no flight plan filed. The flight originated from Medicine Lake, Minnesota, at 1400 cst. The pilot reported he was practicing low level maneuvers at an altitude of about 200 feet above the frozen lake. He reported he made a left turn to the east and in doing so, he encountered a tailwind. He reported the gyrocopter began settling rapidly and he attempted to lower the nose to gain airspeed. He reported the main gear contacted the 8 inches of snow which covered the frozen lake and the gyrocopter nosed over.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKretsinger Bensen B8M
Tail NumberN2436
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · 1785CC · Reciprocating · 72
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data