# NTSB MIA94LA126: Parsons BP  Gyro, N54WP, Bunnell, FL, April 24, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 24, 1994, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Bunnell, FL
- Coordinates: 29.460905, -81.250503 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.4609&lon=-81.2505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37534
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA94LA126
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37534/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA126

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS DURING LANDING FLARE TOUCHDOWN, RESULTING IN THE GYROPLANE TOUCHING DOWN ON THE NOSE GEAR, AND SUBSEQUENT NOSE OVER. THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WAS ALSO A CAUSE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - miscellaneous - failure,total
  - ignition system,ignition lead - separation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The commercial pilot/certified flight instructor and student pilot were on initial takeoff climb at about 150 to 200 feet agl on a crosswind turn when the gryoplane experienced a total loss of engine power. A forced landing was initiated and the gyroplane touched down on the nose gear, nosed over and came to rest on its right side. Examination of the gyroplane by the FAA and the pilot-in-command revealed the alternator drive belt failed for undetermined reasons, and severed the ignition wires.

## Factual narrative

On April 24, 1994, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Gyroplane, N54WP, registered to William H. Parsons, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, experienced a total loss of engine power on a crosswind turn at about 150 to 200 feet agl. The pilot made a forced landing on airport property. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot/certified flight instructor and student pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Bunnell Flagler County Airport about 2 minutes before the accident.

A witness stated he observed the gyroplane take off from runway 6, and make a crosswind turn at about 150 to 200 feet agl. He observed the propeller stop, and saw the gyroplane  enter a glide for a forced landing. In the flare the gyroplane collided with the terrain on the nose gear, nosed over, and came to rest  on its right side.

Examination of the gyroplane by the FAA, and the pilot-in- command revealed an alternator drive belt on the engine had failed for undetermined reasons. The alternator belt severed the ignition wires, resulting in a total loss of engine power.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N54WP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PARSONS BP  GYRO
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 128
- Airframe hours: 1200
- Engines: MAZDA 12A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Parsons,  William  H.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 15, 1993, 40 hours before
- Airport: X-47, Bunnell Flagler County, runway 6, 4,755 × 200 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: unknown, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 650 total, 220 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAB, 10 nm away

## 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 19940424009139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940424009139A), Apr 24, 1994: Amtr BP1, Bunnell, FL, Substantial damage. Lost power after takeoff. Turned back got slow impacted on nose. Alternator drive belt failed severed igntion wire.

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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