# NTSB MKC83FCA02: Bensen M8M, N31048, Gerald, MO, November 7, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: November 7, 1982, 10:18 local (16:18 UTC)
- Place: Gerald, MO
- Location: 38.3993° N, 91.3309° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Gerald, MO, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3993&lon=-91.3309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70824
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83FCA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70824/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FCA02

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - fuel system,line - disconnected (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - fuel system,line - failure,partial (cause)
  - fuel system,line - leak (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE ENG QUIT ON THE DOWNWIND LEG OF THE TRAFFIC PATTERN AFTER TAKEOFF. THE FLEXIBLE FUEL SUPPLY LINE FROM THE FUEL TANK TO THE FUEL PUMP WAS DISCONNECTED. THE HOSE CLAMP WAS POSITIONED & TIGHTENED SO THAT THE LINE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE FUEL PUMP FITTING. THE FUEL PUMP TO CRANKCASE SUCTION LINE FITTING WAS BROKEN OFF AT THE FUEL PUMP. THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO THE CARBURETOR HAD A HOLE IN IT JUST BEFORE THE HOSE CLAMP AT THE CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31048](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31048-1998-02-20), registration cancelled 1998-02-20, S/N RJB1 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSEN M8M
- Registry model: [Barlow BENSEN B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/barlow-bensen-b-8m) (registry code 13021A9) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: RJB-1
- Airframe hours: 190
- Engines: MCCULLOCH 4318G 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard J. Barlow
- Registered owner: Richard J. Barlow
- Departed: GERALD, MO
- Destination: GERALD, MO
- Airport: Hahn Private, runway 5, 2,100 × 0 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,550 total, 190 in this make and model, 1,395 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 32 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19821107057029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821107057029A), Nov 7, 1982: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Gerald, MO, Substantial damage. Fuel line from fuel tank to carburetor not connected properly. Engine quit after takeoff from fuel starvation.

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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