Pilot Debrief

CELIER AVIATION XENON RST near Mount Pleasant, SC — 2009-09-25

Final reportERA09LA544
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Date
2009-09-25
Location
Mount Pleasant, SC, USA
Airport
SC65
Aircraft
CELIER AVIATION XENON RST
Registration
N4462J
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The gyroplane's inadequate climb performance for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the gyroplane took off about 1,200 feet from the departure end of runway 15 and experienced a "loss of lift" when it was approximately 30 feet above the ground. The pilot "lowered the nose to increase airspeed to increase lift," but the gyroplane continued to descend. With no runway available, the gyroplane landed "flat" into a lake, and after exiting the pilot and passenger swam to shore. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were noted with the gyroplane, which was about 90 pounds below maximum gross weight at takeoff. Winds were from 190 degrees true at 5 knots, and temperature at the time was 32 degrees C. The extent to which the combination of high gross weight and high ambient temperature may have affected the flight was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing loss of lift.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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