# NTSB LAX87DUJ04: Benson B-8M, N282A, Fountain Hills, AZ, March 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: March 28, 1987, 12:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Fountain Hills, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.60086, -111.739402 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6009&lon=-111.7394&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 17, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25308
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DUJ04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25308/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DUJ04

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE HOMEBUILT GYROCOPTER ENTERED A STEEP CLIMB AND APPEARED TO ROLL COMPLETELY OVER. HALFWAY THROUGH THE ENGINE BACKFIRED AND THEN QUIT. THE AIRCRAFT WENT INTO A STEEP DIVE. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN NEAR VERTICALLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N282A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N282A-2014-12-22), registration cancelled 2014-12-22, S/N 1220 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSON B-8M
- Registry model: [Marinello Anthony JR B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/marinello-anthony-jr-b-8m) (registry code 13021PZ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1220
- Engines: MCCULLOCH O-100-3 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Anthony Marinello Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 29, 1986
- Departed: FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 83 total, 11 in this make and model, 41 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 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 19870328007569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870328007569A), Mar 28, 1987: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Fountain Hills, AZ, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Made an abrupt turn and pull up. Lost control. Rolled over and dived to the ground. Possible rotor and prop strike.

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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