JAMES F HAKE MTO SPORT near Mentone, IN — 2017-08-03

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper touchdown attitude, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing roll.

NTSB narrative

The sport pilot of the gyroplane stated that, upon touchdown, he should have raised the aircraft's nose to reduce airspeed; however, he allowed the nosewheel to contact the runway. He subsequently applied right rudder to maintain runway alignment. Since the nosewheel and rudder were interconnected (the nosewheel did not pivot on a caster), the application of rudder resulted in the gyroplane tipping over on its side, and both the rotor and propeller blades struck the ground. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the gyroplane.

NTSB coding

• Roll over · Landing-flare/touchdown

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1-2form
• Report Photosphotos

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