Pilot Debrief

GODDARD DICK SIM BENSEN B-8M near Corona, CA — 2022-08-13

Final reportWPR22LA302
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Date
2022-08-13
Location
Corona, CA, USA
Airport
AJO
Aircraft
GODDARD DICK SIM BENSEN B-8M
Registration
N532KB
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The fatigue failure of the engine mount resulting in a loss of engine power and directional control while maneuvering.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the gyroplane reported that, while in the traffic pattern and shortly after a turn onto the final approach leg, he heard and felt a “bang” and the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to maintain airspeed; however, the gyroplane entered a descending, slow spin. The pilot was able to flare just before landing hard in a flat attitude. The gyroplane contacted the dirt and flipped onto its side before the rotor blades came to a stop. Postaccident examination of the engine mount revealed fatigue cracks exhibiting ratchet marks with multiple origin points emanating from the toe weld that secured two washers onto the steel tube. When the engine mount failed, it dropped several inches and allowed the propeller to strike the keel tube, severing the right rudder cable and causing a loss of directional control while maneuvering.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Conducting a thorough inspection before the flight could have identified issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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