# NTSB MIA83FKA01: Bensen B8M, N1080L, Patillas, PR, February 3, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: February 3, 1983, 14:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Patillas, PR
- 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): 30812
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83FKA01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30812/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83FKA01

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotorcraft flight control,cyclic control - disconnected (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE GYROCOPTER CRASHED DURING TAKEOFF AFTER CLIMBING TO ABOUT 50 FT. AGL. THIS WAS THE SEVENTH TAKEOFF OF THE DAY FOR THIS FLT. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND IT DOVE VERTICALLY TO THE GROUND. INVESTIGATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE CYCLIC STICK HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED UNDER THE PILOT'S SEAT. THIS SEPARATION OF THE STICK WAS NOT THE RESULT OF IMPACT. THE PILOT DID NOT POSSESS AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE AND THERE WAS NO RECORD TO SUBSTANTIATE THAT HE HAD ANY TRAINING IN THE GYROCOPTER. THE PILOT NEVER APPLIED FOR A SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1080L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1080L-2014-12-15), registration cancelled 2014-12-15, S/N J.L.-B8M-1 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSEN B8M
- Registry model: [Linares Julio B8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/linares-julio-b8m) (registry code 13021GC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: JL1
- Engines: McCulloch 4318 A reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Julio Linares
- Airport: X64, Patillas Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: front

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- 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 19830203009179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830203009179A), Feb 3, 1983: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Patillas, Puerto Rico, Destroyed. Cyclic stick control came loose, pilot allowed engine to die. Gyrocopter stalled. No pilot or aircraft 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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