# NTSB FTW01LA114: Boykin B J B8M, N36BJ, Clarksville, AR, April 27, 2001 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 27, 2001, 10:30 local (15:30 UTC) - Place: Clarksville, AR - Coordinates: 35.450931, -93.469444 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4509&lon=-93.4694&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report July 30, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 52192 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW01LA114 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/52192/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA114 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a loose control stick on takeoff, rendering the aircraft uncontrollable. ## 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 - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command - flt control syst,yoke/control stick - loose (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis The pilot completed 3 touch-and-go landings in the gyrocraft at the airport. He stated that his 4th takeoff was "normal;" however, as the gyrocraft was climbing through 70 feet, the pilot noticed that the control stick "became difficult to move left and right." The pilot reduced the engine power to idle, and the gyrocraft started to descend to the left. He applied right pressure on the control stick, and the control "suddenly became free;" however, "left and right control was lost and the gyrocopter descended to the left." The gyrocraft impacted terrain at 45-50 mph. The pilot stated that the control stick had become "loose." He added that he could have conducted "more preflight inspection," and "tighten[ed] all adjuster fittings." ## Factual narrative On April 27, 2001, at 1030 central daylight time, a Boykin B J B8M, amateur-built experimental gyrocraft, N36BJ, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an uncontrolled descent at the Clarksville Municipal Airport, Clarksville, Arkansas. The gyrocraft was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed the Clarksville Municipal Airport at 1000. According to a written statement provided by the pilot, he had completed 3 touch-and-go landings at the airport. He stated that his 4th takeoff was "normal;" however, as the gyrocraft was climbing through 70 feet, the pilot noticed that the control stick "became difficult to move left and right." The pilot reduced the engine power to idle, and the gyrocraft started to descend to the left. He applied right pressure on the control stick and the control "suddenly became free;" however, "left and right control was lost and the gyrocopter descended to the left." The gyrocraft impacted terrain at 45-50 mph. In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that the control stick had become "loose." He added under the section titled "Recommendations (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented)" that he could have conducted "more preflight inspection," and "tighten[ed] all adjuster fittings." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N36BJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N36BJ-2013-09-19), registration cancelled 2013-09-19, S/N 81679, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Boykin B J B8M - Registry model: [Boykin B J B8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/boykin-b-j-b8m) (registry code 13021BM) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 81679 - Airframe hours: 235 - Engines: Volkswagen 2180 75 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Lanny Bicio - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, October 20, 2000, 235 hours before - Departed: H35, Clarksville, AR - Airport: H35, Clarksville Municipal ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 157 total, 28 in this make and model, 83 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °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 20010427009879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20010427009879A), Apr 27, 2001: Amtr B8M, Clarksville, AR, No damage. (-23)On April 27, 2001, a gyrocopter N36BJ was being operated by [privacy data omitted] at the airport in Clarksville, Arkansas. While making touch and goes,on… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.