# NTSB DEN83FTE07: Homebuilt Rotorcraft Z6, N23104, Bennett, CO, March 12, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: March 12, 1983, 12:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Bennett, CO
- Coordinates: 39.749771, -104.420501 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7498&lon=-104.4205&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): 16011
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83FTE07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16011/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83FTE07

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - rotor system,main rotor blade - separation (contributing factor)
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in kind of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight control,rudder - separation (contributing factor)
  - performance data - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE HOMEBUILT GYROCOPTER CRASHED ON LEVEL TERRAIN AFTER RUDDER AND ROTOR BLADE SEPARATION IN FLT. THE RUDDER WAS FOUND ABOUT 100 YARDS FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE. IT HAD BEEN STRUCK BY ONE OF THE ROTOR BLADES AND HAD SEPARATED IN FLT. THE SEPARATED ROTOR BLADE LANDED WITH THE MAIN WRECKAGE. THE PILOT HAD NO RECORD OF PREVIOUS FLIGHT IN THIS GYROCOPTER OR ANY OTHER ACFT AND DID NOT POSSESS A PILOT CERTIFICATE. THE PILOT'S SEAT BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED AT IMPACT AND HE WAS FATALLY INJURED WHEN THROWN CLEAR OF THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N23104 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: HOMEBUILT ROTORCRAFT Z6 (ROTORCRAFT)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 52552
- Engines: MCCULLOCH 2 CYCLE 72 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jerry D. Lubken
- Departed: BENNETT, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: center

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19830312043749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830312043749A), Mar 12, 1983: Amtr Z6, Bennett, CO, Substantial damage. Unlicensed pilot on first flight in type had a main rotor cut off the rudder. The main rotor blade then separated.

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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