Pilot Debrief

CHARLAND VORTEX near Wellton, AZ — 2012-12-23

Final reportWPR13FA074
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Date
2012-12-23
Location
Wellton, AZ, USA
Airport
none
Aircraft
CHARLAND VORTEX
Registration
N618TC
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings at a private airport. While in the traffic pattern, the gyrocopter collided with the terrain following a loss of control while the pilot was maneuvering at a low altitude. One witness saw the gyrocopter descending and impacting the ground nose first. Another stated that the gyrocopter and pilot performance were normal and unremarkable before the accident. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the maneuver before losing control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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