Pilot Debrief

CSP LEASING LLC CAVALON near Santa Maria, CA — 2017-03-10

Final reportGAA17CA184
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Date
2017-03-10
Location
Santa Maria, CA, USA
Airport
SMX
Aircraft
CSP LEASING LLC CAVALON
Registration
N425AG
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing in crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot reported that, during a stop-and-go landing in crosswind conditions, the gyroplane bounced about 4 ft. He added that the wind lifted the gyroplane and that he did not have "the speed or rudder control to counteract" the drift. The gyroplane impacted the ground on its right side. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 39 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 300° at 8 knots. The gyroplane landed on runway 30.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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