Pilot Debrief

GYRO TECHNIC GT-VX2 near Saint Peter, MN — 2023-10-08

Final reportCEN24LA006
Sign in to save
Date
2023-10-08
Location
Saint Peter, MN, USA
Airport
MKT
Aircraft
GYRO TECHNIC GT-VX2
Registration
N557LJ
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering through a river valley.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a personal flight as part of a flight of two gyroplanes. Bothpilots were flying their gyroplanes at low level through a river valley when the accident occurred. As they approached a bridge, the second pilot climbed his gyroplane; however, the accident pilot remained at a lower altitude after passing over the bridge and subsequently impacted power lines. The second pilot noticed “flashing” below him and observed the accident gyroplane splash into the river. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot was fatally injured. A witness on the ground observed the gyroplane fly directly into the power lines. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have climbed to a higher altitude before approaching the bridge.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

Related mishaps