# NTSB CHI84LA024: Alderfer Gyroplane, N1388Q, Hamilton, OH, October 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 15, 1983, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Hamilton, OH
- Coordinates: 39.390014, -84.5596 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3900&lon=-84.5596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12481
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12481/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA024

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - communications/information/atc - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE PLT STRUCK HE MADE A NORMAL TAKEOFF & REACHED AN ALT OF ABOUT 20 FT WHEN HE LOWERED THE NOSE TO GAIN AIRSPEED. AS HE REACHED 30 FT THE GYROPLANE ROLLED OVER & IMPACTED THE GRASS ON THE RIGHT OF THE RWY. THE PLT REPORTED HE HAD A STRONG GUSTY HEADWIND CONDITION. CINCINNATI LUNKEN ARPT, 16 MI AWAY, WAS REPORTING A WIND OF 8 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1388Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ALDERFER GYROPLANE
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 13132-2
- Airframe hours: 22
- Engines: Volkswagen UNKNOWN unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Edward Alderfer
- Airport: HAO, Hamilton

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 165 total, 60 in this make and model, 27 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LUK, 16 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 19831015061039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831015061039A), Oct 15, 1983: Amtr KB2, Hamilton, OH, Destroyed. Lost control of gyroplane on takeoff in a gusty wind. Nosed into ground from 50 feet AGL.

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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