# NTSB ATL93LA007: Bensen B-8M, N3777R, Holly Ridge, NC, October 10, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 10, 1992, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Holly Ridge, NC
- Coordinates: 34.490856, -77.54943 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4909&lon=-77.5494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8691
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL93LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8691/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA007

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OPERATE THE FLIGHT CONTROLS PROPERLY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT'S FATHER, THE PURPOSE OF THE OPERATION WAS TO TEST AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE GYROCOPTER'S FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS AFTER THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM WAS INSTALLED. THE PILOT'S FATHER FOLLOWED THE AIRCRAFT ON THE LONG RUNWAY AND OBSERVED THE GROUND TEST AS THE PILOT MADE SEVERAL TOUCH AND GO TYPE MANEUVERS. AS HE APPROACHED THE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE, AND THE AIRCRAFT BECAME AIRBORNE. THE AIRCRAFT INITIALLY CLIMBED OVER THE TREE LINE ON THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY AND WAS LAST SEEN DESCENDING BELOW THE TREE TOPS. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WITH THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT HAD 917 HOURS OF HELICOPTER FLIGHT TIME, BUT THERE WAS NO RECORD OF GYROCOPTER FLIGHT TIME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3777R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3777R-2013-06-04), registration cancelled 2013-06-04, S/N 14908641, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSEN B-8M
- Registry model: [Raynor Ted L BENSEN B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/raynor-ted-l-bensen-b-8m) (registry code 13021CL) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 14908641
- Engines: Volkswagen CONVERSION 35 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Alford, James B.
- Registered owner: Alford, James B.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, expired; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 917 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ILM, 60 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19921010041449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921010041449A), Oct 10, 1992: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Holly Ridge, NC, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Became airborne on taxi test. Crashed in trees on climbout.

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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