# NTSB CHI00LA075: Kretsinger Bensen B8M, N2436, Wayzata, MN, February 20, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 20, 2000, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: Wayzata, MN - Coordinates: 44.97026, -93.509147 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.9703&lon=-93.5091&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report March 2, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 48623 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI00LA075 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48623/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA075 ## Probable cause the pilot's poor inflight planning in that he turned into a tailwind which resulted in diminished airspeed. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind, low altitude maneuvering, the snow covered terrain, and the pilot's inability to successfully perform remedial action. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - low altitude flight/maneuver - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor) - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - water,frozen - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor) - Nose over, other ## Analysis The gyrocopter nosed over after impacting the terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering. The pilot reported he was practicing low level maneuvers at an altitude of about 200 feet above the frozen lake. He reported he made a left turn to the east and in doing so, he encountered a tailwind. He reported the gyrocopter began settling rapidly and he attempted to lower the nose to gain airspeed. He reported the main gear contacted the 8 inches of snow which covered the frozen lake and the gyrocopter nosed over. ## Factual narrative On February 20, 2000, at 1500 central standard time, a Kretsinger Bensen B8M gyrocopter, N2436, collided with the terrain and nosed over following a loss of control while maneuvering over Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, Minnesota. The pilot received minor injuries and the gyrocopter was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. There was no flight plan filed. The flight originated from Medicine Lake, Minnesota, at 1400 cst. The pilot reported he was practicing low level maneuvers at an altitude of about 200 feet above the frozen lake. He reported he made a left turn to the east and in doing so, he encountered a tailwind. He reported the gyrocopter began settling rapidly and he attempted to lower the nose to gain airspeed. He reported the main gear contacted the 8 inches of snow which covered the frozen lake and the gyrocopter nosed over. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2436](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2436-2019-01-15), registration cancelled 2019-01-15, S/N BA42670-1VWM, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: KRETSINGER BENSEN B8M - Registry model: [Kretsinger BENSEN B8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/kretsinger-bensen-b8m) (registry code 13007H7) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built - Serial number: BA42670 - Airframe hours: 710 - Engines: Volkswagen 1785CC 72 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Eldridge U. Kretsinger - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, February 25, 2000, 0 hours before - Departed: MEDICINE LAKE, MN ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 2,700 total, 710 in this make and model, 2,650 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 190° at 11 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 21 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: FCM, 10 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 20000220006809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000220006809A), Feb 20, 2000: Wayzata, MN, No damage. (-23) Pilot was low altitude at 200 feet. During tunr to downwind flight air spped got very low with possible stall. Pilot recovered at ground level. Wheels… ## Other investigations on N2436 (2) 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. - [NTSB GAA15CA109](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA109), Jun 7, 2015: Kretsinger Bensen B8M (N2436), Maple Plain, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in a loss of control, and a collision with terrain. - [NTSB MKC71FDM36](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC71FDM36), Nov 5, 1970: Bensen B-8M (N2436), Lake Elmo, MN, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.