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NTSB Report
September 25, 1987 · Willi/Bensen B-8M · N2469
Fraser, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 25, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fraser, MI
Aircraft
Willi/Bensen B-8M
Tail Number
N2469
Operator
Donald E Willi
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI87DEC05
AS THE STUDENT PILOT WAS TAKING OFF IN HIS EXPERIMENTAL HOME BUILT GYROPLANE, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, SHORTLY AFTER LIFT-OFF. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GYROPLANE WAS DAMAGED DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. AN EXAM OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED THAT TANK SEALER HAD DETERIORATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE SEAT TANK & HAD DROPPED IN THE FUEL. SUBSEQUENTLY, A CHECK VALVE FOR A RUBBER HAND BULB (USED TO PRIME THE FUEL PUMPS) HAD BECOME STUCK. THIS RESULTED IN BLOCKAGE OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
NTSB Probable Cause
DETERIORATION OF THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK WHICH LED TO BLOCKAGE OF THE FUEL FLOW AND SUBSEQUENT FUEL STARVATION OF THE ENGINE.
Full Narrative
AS THE STUDENT PILOT WAS TAKING OFF IN HIS EXPERIMENTAL HOME BUILT GYROPLANE, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, SHORTLY AFTER LIFT-OFF. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GYROPLANE WAS DAMAGED DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. AN EXAM OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED THAT TANK SEALER HAD DETERIORATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE SEAT TANK & HAD DROPPED IN THE FUEL. SUBSEQUENTLY, A CHECK VALVE FOR A RUBBER HAND BULB (USED TO PRIME THE FUEL PUMPS) HAD BECOME STUCK. THIS RESULTED IN BLOCKAGE OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EDT
Nearest AirportMckinley Fraser (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length2910 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWilli/Bensen B-8M
Tail NumberN2469
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDonald E Willi
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsMcculloch · O-100 · Reciprocating · 90
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:55
Weather SourceWFAC