# NTSB CHI90DEV10: Carlson Commander Elite, N60AC, Jerseyville, IL, September 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: September 30, 1990, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Jerseyville, IL
- Coordinates: 39.110214, -90.319534 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.1102&lon=-90.3195&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14504
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DEV10
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14504/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEV10

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE GYROPLANE.

## Analysis

THE BUILDER OF A GYROPLANE DEPARTED ON A LOCAL FLIGHT AND DESCENDED IN UNCONTROLLED FLIGHT TO GROUND IMPACT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. THE AIRCRAFT HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED AN AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE NOR DID THE PRIVATE PILOT HAVE A GYROPLANE RATING. NO MECHANICAL DISCREPANCY WAS FOUND DURING INVESTIGATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N60AC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N60AC-2013-09-24), registration cancelled 2013-09-24, S/N 0610 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Carlson Aircraft COMMANDER ELITE (COMMANDER)
- Registry model: [Carlson Allen B COMMANDER ELITE](https://openairdocs.org/model/carlson-allen-b-commander-elite) (registry code 13027KM) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 0010
- Engines: ROTAX 84 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Carlson, Allen B.
- Registered owner: Allen B Carlson
- Destination: OK5

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ALN, 18 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 19900930043249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900930043249A), Sep 30, 1990: Amtrac ELITE532, Jerseyville, IL, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Gyroplane fell to ground. No registration or gyroplane rating. Evidence main rotor struck tail.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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