# NTSB ATL85FA068: Gyrocopter B-8M, Madisonville, TN, December 27, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 27, 1984, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Madisonville, TN
- Coordinates: 35.520458, -84.349113 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5205&lon=-84.3491&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6587
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FA068
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6587/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA068

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - flt control syst,rudder control - failure,total
  - flt control syst,rudder control - overload (cause)
  - cyclic - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training, pilot in command
- Propeller/rotor contact to person, cruise - normal
  - flt control syst,rudder control - failure,total
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

STUDENT PILOT ATTEMPTING FLIGHT IN GYROCOPTER LOSS CONTROL CUSING MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM TO CONTACT THE RUDDER SYSTEM. PILOT WAS NOT QUALIFIED TO CONDUCT THIS FLIGHT. A/C WAS NOT ASSIGNED AN IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GYROCOPTER B-8M
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Engines: MCCULLOCH 4318B 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth Yearwood
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: MADISONVILLE, TN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 50 total, 10 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TYS, 30 nm away

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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