# NTSB CHI85FA209: Heekin B-8-M, N3250M, Williamsburg, OH, May 25, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 25, 1985, 11:05 local (15:05 UTC)
- Place: Williamsburg, OH
- Coordinates: 39.049987, -84.049415 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0500&lon=-84.0494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12837
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85FA209
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12837/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA209

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor system,main rotor blade - movement restricted (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - disintegrated (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

WITNESS REPORTED HEARING A LOUD BANG AND SEEING THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STOPPED. THE GYROCOPTER WAS THEN OBSERVED ROTATING SLOWLY IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION TO GROUND IMPACT. THE WOODED PROP (ENGINE DRIVEN) WAS DEMOLISHED WITH PORTIONS OF IT FOUND UP TO 300 FT FROM THE ACCIDENT SITE. PROP STRIKE MARKS WERE FOUND ON THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3250M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3250M-2013-08-07), registration cancelled 2013-08-07, S/N 294-40-0870, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HEEKIN B-8-M
- Registry model: [Heekin Herbert P MARK II](https://openairdocs.org/model/heekin-herbert-p-mark-ii) (registry code 05613ZB) (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: 294400870
- Airframe hours: 83
- Engines: McCulloch 4318G 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Herbert P. Heekin
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 24, 1984, 3 hours before
- Airport: Hutchinson Farm Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 193 total, 66 in this make and model, 148 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19850525020629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850525020629A), May 25, 1985: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Williamsburg, OH, Destroyed. Main rotors struck props of gyrocopter stopping rotation of rotors and failed props. Uncontrolled descent to impact

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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