# NTSB MKC81FA046: Bensen B-8M, N8068H, Columbia, MO, July 31, 1981

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Closed
- Date: July 31, 1981
- Place: Columbia, MO · COLUMBIA, MO
- Location: 38.9517° N, 92.3341° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Columbia, MO, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9517&lon=-92.3341&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 10, 1981
- Report: Brief approved by the director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 124457
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC81FA046
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC81FA046

## NTSB brief

```
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FILE    DATE          LOCATION          AIRCRAFT DATA       INJURIES       FLIGHT                        PILOT DATA
                                                               F  S M/N     PURPOSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-2238  81/7/31    COLUMBIA,MO         BENSEN B-8M         CR-  1  0  0  NONCOMMERCIAL             COMMERCIAL, FL.INSTR.,
        TIME - 2005                    N8068H              PX-  0  0  0  PLEASURE/PERSONAL TRANSP  AGE 24, 1490 TOTAL HOURS,
                                       DAMAGE-DESTROYED    OT-  0  0  0                            12 IN TYPE, INSTRUMENT
                                                                                                   RATED.
        NAME OF AIRPORT - E.W.COTTON WOODS
        DEPARTURE POINT             INTENDED DESTINATION
          COLUMBIA,MO                 LOCAL
        TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                         PHASE OF OPERATION
           COLLISION WITH GROUND/WATER: UNCONTROLLED                IN FLIGHT: LOW PASS
        PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ROTOR R.P.M.
        REMARKS- CRASHED DRG 360DEG TURN AT LOW ALT.
```

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8068H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8068H-1983-11-23), registration cancelled 1983-11-23, S/N 1 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSEN B-8M
- Registry model: [Andrews Floyd BENSEN B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/andrews-floyd-bensen-b-8m) (registry code 13021BR) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Engines: reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Airport: E.W.Cotton Woods

## 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 19810731046209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19810731046209A), Jul 31, 1981: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Columbia, MO, Destroyed. Gyroplane crashed after losing control during sharp turn at a low altitude.

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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