# NTSB CHI82DEG03: Benson B8M, Hamilton, OH, June 26, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1982, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Hamilton, OH
- Location: 39.3638° N, 84.5219° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at BUTLER COUNTY RGNL/HOGAN FLD (HAO), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3638&lon=-84.5219&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 26, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70944
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DEG03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70944/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DEG03

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - initial climb
  - control tower - unavailable (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE GYROCOPTER PILOT INITIATED A TAKEOFF FROM THE GRASS MEDIA BETWEEN THE TAXIWAY AND RUNWAY 29. AFTER LIFTING OFF, HE CLIMBED TO AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 40 TO 50 FT, THEN TURNED TOWARD THE RUNWAY. AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME, A PIPER PA-28 WAS TAKING OFF ON THE RUNWAY. WHEN THE GYROCOPTER PILOT SAW THE OTHER AIRCRAFT, HE DOVE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE HELICOPTER CRASHED AND BURNED ON THE RUNWAY. THE GYROCOPTER WAS NOT CERTIFICATED AND WAS IMPROPERLY IDENTIFIED WITH AN UNASSIGNED N-NUMBER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: NONE (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: BENSON B8M
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 294-40-0869
- Airframe hours: 24
- Engines: MCCULLOCH MARK I 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: H. P. Heekins
- Registered owner: H. P. Heekins
- Departed: HAO, HAMILTON, OH
- Destination: HAO, HAMILTON, OH
- Airport: HAO, Hamilton, runway 29, 5,900 × 0 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,299 total, 24 in this make and model, 1,079 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Temperature: 176 °F

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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