# NTSB CHI83FA438: Bensen B8M, N6469, Paoli, IN, September 23, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 23, 1983, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Paoli, IN
- Coordinates: 38.549949, -86.459045 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5499&lon=-86.4590&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12027
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83FA438
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12027/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83FA438

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
  - autorotation - initiated, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE GYROCOPTER CRASHED ON THE WEST SIDE OF RWY 02/20. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT TURN TO THE RIGHT AFTER LIFT-OFF, THEN IT DISAPPEARED BEHIND TREES. THEY REPORTED HEARING AN UNUSUAL NOISE & STATED THAT THE ENG STOPPED OPERATING, THEN THEY HEARD THE ACFT CRASH. REPORTEDLY, THE ACFT LIFTED OFF FROM THE TAXIWAY BEFORE TURNING DOWN RWY 02 TO DEPART. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE WAS MADE, BUT NO PREIMPACT/MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6469](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6469-1984-11-16), registration cancelled 1984-11-16, S/N 1 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSEN B8M
- Registry model: [Bensen-Mcphesson B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/bensen-mcphesson-b-8m) (registry code 130079P) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1
- Airframe hours: 277
- Engines: McCulloch 40-50 72 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ralph A Mcpherson
- Airport: 142, Paoli, runway 20, 2,800 × 50 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 402 total, 276 in this make and model, 41 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F

## 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 19830923053099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830923053099A), Sep 23, 1983: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Paoli, IN, Destroyed. Pilot worked on rotor blade adjustment. Indicates main rotor chopped off prop and part of rudder on test flight.

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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