N2289V

On July 5, 1998, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Benson B-8M homebuilt gyrocopter, N2289V, collided with the ground while taxiing at Rotonda International Airport, in Placida, Florida. The gyrocopter was operated by the non-certificated pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The non-certificated pilot received minor injuries and the gyrocopter was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Rotonda International Airport about 10 minutes prior to the accident.

The non-certificated pilot stated he was taxiing too fast downwind, encountered a gust of wind and lost control of the aircraft resulting in a collision with the ground. The accident occurred on July 5, 1998, however, the Safety Board was not notified of the accident until July 14, 1998.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who visited the scene, the gyrocopter nosed over and came to rest inverted. The main rotor blades were bent beyond repair, rear propeller blades broken off, and all structural components of the gyrocopter bent and twisted resulting in substantial damage.

The pilot estimates he had 60 total hours flown as Pilot In Command of this make/model aircraft, including 10 hours flown over the last 90 days.