Pilot Debrief

ROTARY RAF2000 near Anahuac, TX — 2021-08-07

Final reportCEN21LA363
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Date
2021-08-07
Location
Anahuac, TX, USA
Airport
T00
Aircraft
ROTARY RAF2000
Registration
UNREG
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s incorrect trim system installation, which resulted in a loss of gyroplane control and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had just installed a new trim system in the gyroplane and intended to complete a maintenance test flight. During the test flight, the pilot tried to adjust the trim, but nothing happened. The pilot actuated the trim switch again, and the gyroplane pitched up violently. The pilot attempted to override the trim switch but was unable to do so, and the gyroplane rapidly descended from 50 ft to ground impact. The pilot reported after the accident that a trim limit switch was not installed and that the trim system maintenance was probably done incorrectly. Thus, given the available evidence for this investigation, the pilot’s incorrect trim system maintenance likely caused the malfunction during flight and led to the pilot’s loss of gyroplane control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after trim system malfunction was noted.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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