Pilot Debrief

MICHAEL A HOWARD DOMINATOR near Omaha, NE — 2012-06-28

Final reportCEN12CA416
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Date
2012-06-28
Location
Omaha, NE, USA
Airport
KMLE
Aircraft
MICHAEL A HOWARD DOMINATOR
Registration
N447PM
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A nosewheel shimmy on takeoff, which resulted in the failure of the nosewheel landing gear and a loss of control.

NTSB narrative

The pilot, who was also the builder, was conducting flight testing on the newly built gyrocopter. He reported that he spun the rotor up to about 110 rpm and was attempting to accelerate the rotor to flight rpm by moving down the runway. The pilot added that he was going about 25 mph when the nosewheel hit a bump in the runway and started to shimmy. He immediately reduced the throttle to slow down; however, the nosewheel strut failed, and the gyrocopter turned left, rolled over, and came to rest on its right side. During the rollover, the rotor blades and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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