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NTSB Report
February 3, 1983 · Bensen B8M · N1080L
Patillas, PR
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 3, 1983
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Patillas, PR
Aircraft
Bensen B8M
Tail Number
N1080L
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA83FKA01
THE GYROCOPTER CRASHED DURING TAKEOFF AFTER CLIMBING TO ABOUT 50 FT. AGL. THIS WAS THE SEVENTH TAKEOFF OF THE DAY FOR THIS FLT. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND IT DOVE VERTICALLY TO THE GROUND. INVESTIGATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE CYCLIC STICK HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED UNDER THE PILOT'S SEAT. THIS SEPARATION OF THE STICK WAS NOT THE RESULT OF IMPACT. THE PILOT DID NOT POSSESS AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE AND THERE WAS NO RECORD TO SUBSTANTIATE THAT HE HAD ANY TRAINING IN THE GYROCOPTER. THE PILOT NEVER APPLIED FOR A SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE.
Full Narrative
THE GYROCOPTER CRASHED DURING TAKEOFF AFTER CLIMBING TO ABOUT 50 FT. AGL. THIS WAS THE SEVENTH TAKEOFF OF THE DAY FOR THIS FLT. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND IT DOVE VERTICALLY TO THE GROUND. INVESTIGATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE CYCLIC STICK HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED UNDER THE PILOT'S SEAT. THIS SEPARATION OF THE STICK WAS NOT THE RESULT OF IMPACT. THE PILOT DID NOT POSSESS AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE AND THERE WAS NO RECORD TO SUBSTANTIATE THAT HE HAD ANY TRAINING IN THE GYROCOPTER. THE PILOT NEVER APPLIED FOR A SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 AST
Nearest AirportPatillas Airport (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length2000 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBensen B8M
Tail NumberN1080L
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsMcculloch · 4318 A · Reciprocating
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT