# NTSB FTW86FRG26: Benson B-8M, N632X, New Braunfels, TX, June 10, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 10, 1986, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: New Braunfels, TX
- Coordinates: 29.699085, -98.110481 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.6991&lon=-98.1105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21972
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FRG26
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21972/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FRG26

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - rotor system,main rotor blade - foreign object (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED OUT OF CONTROL AFTER THE ENG STOPPED DURING A LANDING APPROACH, THE ACFT HAD ALMOST COMPLETED THE 1ST PATTERN AROUND THE FIELD WHEN THE ENG STOPPED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED A 1/4 INCH NYLON ROPE WRAPPED AND TIED AROUND THE ROTOR BLADE ABOUT 30 INCHES FROM THE TIP. THIS WAS A PART OF THE ROPE THAT THE PLT HAD USED TO TIE THE ROTOR DOWN WHILE THE ACFT WAS NOT BEING OPERATED. THE ROPE APPEARED TO HAVE SLIPPED DOWN THE BLADE FROM THE HUB AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N632X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N632X-1989-03-16), registration cancelled 1989-03-16, S/N JM1 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSON B-8M
- Registry model: [Bensen B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/bensen-b-8m) (registry code 1300516) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: JM1
- Engines: MCCULLOCH 4318A 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Windrow Lee Riggins
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, October 4, 1985
- Departed: 3R5, FNEW BRAUFELS, TX
- Airport: 3R5, New Braunfels

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 1 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FSS

## 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 19860610027169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860610027169A), Jun 10, 1986: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, New Braunfels, TX, Destroyed. Impacted ground and burned after engine quit on a test flight. Found a tie down rope wrapped around rotor blade.

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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