FTW01LA114

Factual narrative

On April 27, 2001, at 1030 central daylight time, a Boykin B J B8M, amateur-built experimental gyrocraft, N36BJ, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an uncontrolled descent at the Clarksville Municipal Airport, Clarksville, Arkansas. The gyrocraft was registered to and operated by the pilot. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed the Clarksville Municipal Airport at 1000. According to a written statement provided by the pilot, he had completed 3 touch-and-go landings at the airport. He stated that his 4th takeoff was "normal;" however, as the gyrocraft was climbing through 70 feet, the pilot noticed that the control stick "became difficult to move left and right." The pilot reduced the engine power to idle, and the gyrocraft started to descend to the left. He applied right pressure on the control stick and the control "suddenly became free;" however, "left and right control was lost and the gyrocopter descended to the left." The gyrocraft impacted terrain at 45-50 mph. In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot stated that the control stick had become "loose." He added under the section titled "Recommendations (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented)" that he could have conducted "more preflight inspection," and "tighten[ed] all adjuster fittings." The pilot completed 3 touch-and-go landings in the gyrocraft at the airport. He stated that his 4th takeoff was "normal;" however, as the gyrocraft was climbing through 70 feet, the pilot noticed that the control stick "became difficult to move left and right." The pilot reduced the engine power to idle, and the gyrocraft started to descend to the left. He applied right pressure on the control stick, and the control "suddenly became free;" however, "left and right control was lost and the gyrocopter descended to the left." The gyrocraft impacted terrain at 45-50 mph. The pilot stated that the control stick had become "loose." He added that he could have conducted "more preflight inspection," and "tighten[ed] all adjuster fittings." Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12