# NTSB SEA89LA114: Hughes Bensen B-8M, N3196, The Dalles, OR, June 20, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 20, 1989, 13:41 local (20:41 UTC)
- Place: The Dalles, OR
- Coordinates: 45.539245, -121.149642 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5392&lon=-121.1496&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 26, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41034
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA114
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41034/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA114

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS POOR JUDGEMENT IN ATTEMPTING LOW LEVEL FLIGHT IN A NARROW VALLEY DURING HIGH WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - mountain wave (cause)
  - weather condition - high wind (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO SET A WORLD RECORD FOR FLIGHT FROM CANADA TO MEXICO IN THE GYROCOPTER. THE PILOT HAD STOPPED AT THE DALLES, IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, FOR FUEL. AFTER DEPARTING THE DALLES, THE PILOT FLEW SOUTH ALONG A HIGHWAY THAT FOLLOWS A VALLEY EXTENDING FROM THE GORGE TO HIGHER TERRAIN SOUTH OF THE DALLES. THERE ARE STEEP HILLS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HIGHWAY. THE PILOT WAS FLYING APRX 200 FT AGL MAKING PASSES OVER A GROUND CREW WHO WERE FILMING THE FLIGHT, WHEN THE AIRCRAFT ABRUPTLY FLIPPED INTO AN INVERTED ATTITUDE AND IMPACTED ON A HILLSIDE BY THE HIGHWAY. A MEMBER OF THE GROUND CREW FILMING THE FLIGHT ESTIMATED ON THE TAPE BEFORE THE ACCIDENT THAT THE WINDS WERE 40-50 MPH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3196](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3196-1989-11-15), registration cancelled 1989-11-15, S/N HU191713 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HUGHES BENSEN B-8M (BENSEN B-8)
- Registry model: [Hughes BENSEN B-8M](https://openairdocs.org/model/hughes-bensen-b-8m) (registry code 13007WL) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: HU 191713
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Michael G. Hughes
- Registered owner: Michael G Hughes
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: DLS, THE DALLES, OR
- Destination: S33, MADRAS, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 910 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 20 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DLS, 12 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 19890620016239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890620016239A), Jun 20, 1989: Amtrbx BENSENB8M, The Dalles, OR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Encountered strong gusty surface winds while making low passes over film crew. Flipped over and fell to the ground.

## Other investigations on N3196 (1)

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.

- [NTSB OAK74DVM09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK74DVM09), Sep 8, 1973: Bensen B8M (N3196), Salinas, CA, substantial damage

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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