# NTSB MIA83FA144: Parson Bensen, Tavares, FL, May 22, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 22, 1983, 10:52 local (14:52 UTC)
- Place: Tavares, FL
- Coordinates: 28.800971, -81.729866 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8010&lon=-81.7299&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30780
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83FA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30780/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83FA144

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,glassy (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE GYROCOPTER DESCENDED TO THE LAKE IN AN UNCONTROLLED MANEUVER AND CRASHED. THE PLT WAS ON HIS 2ND FLT IN THE ACFT AND HAD BEEN TOLD TO LIMIT HIS CLIMB TO 10-15 FT AGL BY THE BUILDER OF THE GYROCOPTER. THE PLT CLIMBED TO ABOUT 400 FT AGL AND THE ACFT STARTED TO PORPOISE. DURING THE 3RD OSCILLATION THE GYRO TURNED OVER AND FELL INTO THE LAKE. WITNESSES HEARD THE ENGINE OPERATING UNTIL IMPACT. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE WATER AT A HIGH ANGLE OF DESCENT WHILE IN A LEFT TURN. THE PROPELLER BLADES WERE SHREDDED UPON IMPACT. WRECKAGE EXAMINATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION PRIOR TO IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PARSON BENSEN
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Engines: MCCULLOCH 100-1 72 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Donald Verkins

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: ORL

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.