# NTSB CHI83LA010: Benson B8M, N26063, Sandwich, IL, October 5, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1982, 17:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Sandwich, IL
- Location: 41.6501° N, 88.6190° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Sandwich, IL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6501&lon=-88.6190&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 5, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72518
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA010
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72518/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA010

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - miscellaneous - undetermined (cause)
  - aircraft handling - performed, unqualified person
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - autorotation - performed, pilot in command
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING FLOWN BY A PERSON WITH NO PILOT RATING AND NO STUDENT OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. AFTER TAKEOFF, HE CIRCLED THE AIRPORT AND FLEW OVER THE EDGE OF A LAKE. REPORTEDLY, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE HE WAS ABOUT 300 FT ABOVE THE SURFACE. THE NON-RATED PILOT MADE AN AUTORATIVE LANDING IN THE WATER WHEN HE WAS UNABLE TO GLIDE TO LAND. NO PRE-ACCIDENT FAILURE OF THE AIRCRAFT OR ENGINE WAS FOUND. NO WATER WAS FOUND IN THE STORAGE TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N26063](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N26063-2013-02-21), registration cancelled 2013-02-21, S/N B8M9176, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSON B8M
- Registry model: [Nelson BENSEN B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/nelson-bensen-b-8m) (registry code 13021J2) (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: 9176
- Airframe hours: 85
- Engines: MCCULLOUGH 01001 72 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald P. Waid
- Registered owner: Ronald P. Waid
- Departed: 3HA, SANDWICH, IL
- Destination: 3HA, SANDWICH, IL
- Airport: 3HA, Sandwich

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 18° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles

## 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 19821005051139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821005051139A), Oct 5, 1982: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Sandwich, IL, Destroyed. Engine quit over edge of a lake. Landed in the water. Believed to be water in fuel. No pilot license or medical.

## Other investigations on N26063 (1)

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 CHI94LA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA274), Aug 9, 1994: Nelson Benson B-8M (N26063), Sandwich, IL, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT (OWNER/PILOT/MECHANIC), AND HIS IMPROPER MODIFICATION OF THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE (OR INABILITY) TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE…

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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