Accident Bensen B8M N2469, Friday 25 September 1987

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Date:	Friday 25 September 1987
Time:	17:00 LT
Type:	Bensen B8M
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N2469
MSN:	86
Total airframe hrs:	65 hours
Engine model:	McCulloch O-100
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Fraser, MI - United States of America
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
AS THE STUDENT PILOT WAS TAKING OFF IN HIS EXPERIMENTAL HOME BUILT GYROPLANE, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, SHORTLY AFTER LIFT-OFF. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GYROPLANE WAS DAMAGED DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. AN EXAM OF THE FUEL SYSTEM REVEALED THAT TANK SEALER HAD DETERIORATED ON THE INSIDE OF THE SEAT TANK & HAD DROPPED IN THE FUEL. SUBSEQUENTLY, A CHECK VALVE FOR A RUBBER HAND BULB (USED TO PRIME THE FUEL PUMPS) HAD BECOME STUCK. THIS RESULTED IN BLOCKAGE OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.

Probable Cause: DETERIORATION OF THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF THE FUEL TANK WHICH LED TO BLOCKAGE OF THE FUEL FLOW AND SUBSEQUENT FUEL STARVATION OF THE ENGINE.

Accident investigation: