# NTSB MIA80FKJ27: Bensen BTS8-M, N554A, Selma, AL, March 23, 1980

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Closed
- Date: March 23, 1980
- Place: Selma, AL · SELMA, AL
- Location: 32.4170° N, 87.0357° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Selma, AL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4170&lon=-87.0357&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 19, 1980
- Report: Brief approved by the director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 134874
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA80FKJ27
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA80FKJ27

## NTSB brief

```
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FILE    DATE          LOCATION          AIRCRAFT DATA       INJURIES       FLIGHT                        PILOT DATA
                                                               F  S M/N     PURPOSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-0929  80/3/23  NR.SELMA,AL           BENSEN BTS8-M       CR-  1  0  0  NONCOMMERCIAL             STUDENT, AGE 29, UNK/NR
        TIME - 1540                    N554A               PX-  0  0  0  PLEASURE/PERSONAL TRANSP  TOTAL HOURS, UNK/NR IN
                                       DAMAGE-DESTROYED    OT-  0  0  0                            TYPE, NOT INSTRUMENT
                                                                                                   RATED.
        DEPARTURE POINT             INTENDED DESTINATION
         SELMA,AL                     LOCAL
        TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                         PHASE OF OPERATION
           COLLISION WITH GROUND/WATER: CONTROLLED                  IN FLIGHT: LOW PASS
        PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR R.P.M.
           PILOT IN COMMAND - PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - ALCOHOLIC IMPAIRMENT OF EFFICIENCY AND JUDGMENT
        REMARKS- PLT'S BLOOD/ALCOHOL LVL-0.267%.
```

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N554A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N554A-2012-09-21), registration cancelled 2012-09-21, S/N BTS8-M, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSEN BTS8-M
- Registry model: [Bensen B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/bensen-b-8m) (registry code 1300516) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Mcculloch 4318A&E/0-100](https://openairdocs.org/engine/mcculloch-4318a-e-0-100) (registry code 43101, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Engines: reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed

## 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 19800323011699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19800323011699A), Mar 23, 1980: Amtrbx BENSEN8M, Selma, AL, Destroyed. Buzzed area made sharp turn at low altitude. Lost control. Crashed. Alcohol involved.

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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