Pilot Debrief

Rotary RAF 2000 near Omaha, NE — 2019-12-07

Final reportCEN20TA030
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Date
2019-12-07
Location
Omaha, NE, USA
Airport
MLE
Aircraft
Rotary RAF 2000
Registration
N47EB
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings in the gyroplane when the airplane encountered windshear just above the runway during landing. The gyroplane veered right, touched down in the grass, became airborne, then impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage. Another pilot reported that he also experienced windshear during the landing approach and saw that the pilot of the accident aircraft "appeared to be struggling to maintain control." The accident pilot reported that he had not flown the aircraft "in a while" and that the gusting wind conditions were the primary factor that resulted in his loss of control. Recorded wind conditions about the time of the accident included wind at 13 knots with gusts to 17 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to abort the takeoff due to wind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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