# NTSB CHI84LA347: Lindsay Davis Benson B8M, N4453D, Gross Ile, MI, August 13, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1984, 19:10 local (23:10 UTC)
- Place: Gross Ile, MI
- Coordinates: 42.130691, -83.150207 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1307&lon=-83.1502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12739
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA347
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12739/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA347

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - engine assembly - undetermined (cause)
  - engine assembly,cylinder - overtemperature (cause)
  - engine assembly,cylinder - binding(mechanical)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS IN THE AIRPORT TRAFFIC PATTERN WHEN HE NOTICED THE ENG CYLINDER HEAD TEMP EXCEEDING THE RED LINE. HE ATTEMPTED TO LOWER THE TEMP BY REDUCING THE ENG RPM BUT COULD NOT MAINTAIN ALT. THE PILOT MANEUVERED THE ACFT TOWARD THE AIRPORT AND AT APRX 1000 FT FROM THE RWY, THE END QUIT. THE PILOT EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN THE WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE ENG AFTER THE ACCIDENT REVEALED A SCORCHED CYCLINDER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4453D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4453D-2015-05-04), registration cancelled 2015-05-04, S/N 367588998, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LINDSAY DAVIS BENSON B8M
- Registry model: [Davis Lindsay Clyde BENSON B8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/davis-lindsay-clyde-benson-b8m) (registry code 13021LE) (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: 367588998
- Engines: MCCULLOCH 4318A reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lindsay C. Davis
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: 2G5, GROSSE ILE, MI
- Airport: 2G5, Grosse Ile

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 30 total, 30 in this make and model, 20 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DTW, 20 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 19840813040189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840813040189A), Aug 13, 1984: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Gross Isle, MI, Substantial damage. Engine quit on final. Landed short of runway in water. Was using a mixture of chainsaw oil and unleaded auto fuel.

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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