# NTSB LAX86FVD02: John Patrick Coleman Bensen B-8M, N4579C, Eureka, CA, November 12, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: November 12, 1985, 13:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Eureka, CA
- Coordinates: 40.800315, -124.149444 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8003&lon=-124.1494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24968
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FVD02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24968/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FVD02

## 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
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ON NOVEMBER 12, 1985, AT APPROXIMATELY 1345 PST AN AMATEUR BUILT BENSEN B-8M AIRCRAFT OWNED AND OPERATED BY JOHN PATRICK COLEMAN CRASHED WHILE ON A PLEASURE FLIGHT. VFR CONDITIONS PREVAILED AND NO FLIGHT PLAN WAS FILED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED AND THE PILOT RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES. THE PILOT HELD A PRIVATE CERTIFICATE. THE FLIGHT ORIGINATED AT EUREKA MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, EUREKA, CALIFORNIA, AT APPROXIMATELY 1420 PST. A WITNESS OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT ON DEPARTURE 'MAKE A SHRP TURN CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO INVERT AND FALL TO THE EARTH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4579C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4579C-1991-04-05), registration cancelled 1991-04-05, S/N 2544 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: JOHN PATRICK COLEMAN BENSEN B-8M (BENSEN B-8)
- Registry model: [Colman John Patrick BENSEN B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/colman-john-patrick-bensen-b-8m) (registry code 13021LV) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 2544
- Engines: Bombardier 503S.N.345842 50 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John Patrick Coleman
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, August 16, 1985
- Departed: 033, EUREKA, CA
- Airport: 033

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 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 19851112056679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851112056679A), Nov 12, 1985: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Eureka, CA, Substantial damage. Gained considerable forward speed and then climbed sharply. During turn rolled over, fell and struck ground.

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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