# NTSB LAX83FUG18: Miller RA1, N37849, Adelanto, CA, July 2, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1983, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Adelanto, CA
- Coordinates: 34.660171, -117.510826 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6602&lon=-117.5108&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23546
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FUG18
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23546/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FUG18

## Analysis

WITNESSES OBSERVED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE GYROCOPTER PORPOISED. THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES SEPARATED IN FLIGHT AND THE ACFT CRASHED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - rotor system,main rotor blade - separation (cause)
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - rotor system,main rotor blade - undetermined (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37849](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N37849-1984-03-12), registration cancelled 1984-03-12, S/N M001 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MILLER RA1
- Registry model: [Miller Roger A RAI](https://openairdocs.org/model/miller-roger-a-rai) (registry code 056139T) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: M001
- Engines: CONTINENTAL 85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Roger A. Miller

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 64 total, 55 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19830702027799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830702027799A), Jul 2, 1983: Amtrjf BARRACUDA, Adelanto, CA, Destroyed. Student overcontrolled gyroplane in severe gusts. Flipped inverted. Main rotor separated. No endorsement or license

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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