# NTSB SEA83LA158: Bensen B8M, N2279C, Wenatchee, WA, July 23, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1983, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Wenatchee, WA
- Coordinates: 47.370807, -120.349746 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3708&lon=-120.3497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39738
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA83LA158
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39738/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA158

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - qualification, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

REPORTEDLY, THE PLT HAD RECEIVED 7 HRS OF DUAL INSTRUCTION IN THE BENSON GYROCOPTER. HE HAD BEEN OBSERVED TAXIING THE ACFT ON AN UNUSED PORTION OF THE ARPT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS OF 1982 & 1983. HOWEVER, NO FLTS WERE OBSERVED & THE STUDENT PLT HAD NO ENDORSEMENT. ON 7/30/83, THE ACFT CRASHED APRX 1 BLOCK FROM THE ARPT BOUNDRY (PRESUMABLY DURING TAKEOFF). REPORTEDLY, HE HAD A LOSS OF PERCEPTION OF FORWARD SPEED AFTER GAINING ABOUT 100 FT WHICH RESULTED IN A DECAY OF ROTOR RPM. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GYROCOPT ENTERED A DESCENT & MADE A HARD CONTACT WITH THE GROUND WHILE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. NO PREEXISTING MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE FOUND DURING AN EXAM OF THE GYROCOPTER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2279C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2279C-2013-07-11), registration cancelled 2013-07-11, S/N 3626, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENSEN B8M
- Registry model: [Bensen B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/bensen-b-8m) (registry code 1300516) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Mcculloch 4318A&E/0-100](https://openairdocs.org/engine/mcculloch-4318a-e-0-100) (registry code 43101, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 3826
- Engines: McCulloch 4318A 72 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ellery Barnes
- Registered owner: Fred W. Eschwig
- Airport: EAT, Pangborn

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 15 total, 15 in this make and model, 8 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: EAT, 1 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 19830723035149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830723035149A), Jul 23, 1983: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, Wenatchee, WA, Substantial damage. Student pilot did not maintain forward speed and subsequently lost rotor RPM causing crash.

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.