# NTSB ATL94LA013: Bowermaster B-8M, N10343, Cowpens, SC, November 10, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 10, 1993, 17:53 local (21:53 UTC)
- Place: Cowpens, SC
- Coordinates: 35.009963, -81.800811 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0100&lon=-81.8008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report December 2, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3321
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL94LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3321/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL94LA013

## Probable cause

FUEL STARVATION WHICH RESULTED FROM UNPORTED FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK DUE TO INADEQUATE DESIGN OF THE TANKS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel system,tank - inadequate
  - aircraft/equipment inadequate, production/design personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

ON FINAL APPROACH, THE GYROPLANE LOST POWER AND THE PILOT FORCE LANDED THE AIRCRAFT IN TREES SHORT OF THE LANDING AREA. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE. FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE TANK AND FUEL SYSTEM AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE OWNER OF THE AIRCRAFT STATED THAT THE TANKS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUEL SLOSHING AND THAT THIS MAY CAUSE FUEL STARVATION.

## Factual narrative

On November 10, 1993, at 1753 eastern daylight time, a Brady C. Bowermaster B-8M, N10343 was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain near Cowpens, South Carolina. The private pilot received serious injuries in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight.

Witnesses reported that they observed the aircraft maneuvering around the airport. The pilot reported that the engine lost power while approaching for landing and that he autoratated and force landed the aircraft in forest terrain. The aircraft struck a group of trees near the side of the runway at the private sod airfield and crashed into the terrain. Post accident examination of the gyroplane revealed no evidence of mechanical failure of the engine. Fuel was found in the fuel tank and fuel system after the accident. The owner of the aircraft stated that the fuel tanks were susceptible to fuel sloshing and that it may cause momentary fuel starvation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N10343](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N10343-2013-08-15), registration cancelled 2013-08-15, S/N BCB-232, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOWERMASTER B-8M
- Registry model: [Bowermaster Brady C B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/bowermaster-brady-c-b-8m) (registry code 13007DC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Mcculloch 4318A&E/0-100](https://openairdocs.org/engine/mcculloch-4318a-e-0-100) (registry code 43101, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: BCB-232
- Engines: McCulloch O-100-1 72 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gallman, Leonard W. Sr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Airport: NONE, Private, runway 5, 1,900 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,209 total, 1,135 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 129° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GSP, 20 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 19931110042569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931110042569A), Nov 10, 1993: Amtr B8M, Cowpens, SC, Substantial damage. Lost power on approach. Struck trees on autorotation landing possible fuel sloshing unported fuel stopped fuel flow

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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