Pilot Debrief

HICKOX ANDY ANDYS GYROPLANE near Umatilla, FL — 2017-09-28

Final reportERA17FA339
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Date
2017-09-28
Location
Umatilla, FL, USA
Aircraft
HICKOX ANDY ANDYS GYROPLANE
Registration
N152AH
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's improper response to a total loss of engine power, which resulted in main rotor blade contact with the rudder and vertical stabilizer, and a subsequent uncontrolled descent. The loss of engine power was due to the separation of the electrical connector to the coil of the crank triggered ignition system.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot, who was endorsed for solo flight in the experimental, amateur-built gyroplane, was conducting a personal flight. About 1 1/2 hours after takeoff, a witness saw the gyroplane flying about 50 to 60 ft above ground level then heard two "bang" or "pop" sounds. The engine then lost all power and a section of one main rotor blade separated about the same time. The gyroplane entered an uncontrolled descent and impacted a wooded area. Components of the gyroplane consisting of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, which exhibited evidence of contact by the main rotor, and pieces of foam and propeller blade fragments were located along the energy path. Postaccident examination of the gyroplane revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the flight controls for the main rotor, while examination of the engine revealed that the electrical connection from the coil of the crank triggered ignition, which did not have a secondary locking device, was disconnected; this would have resulted in the loss of engine power. The investigation could not determine if any prior maintenance was performed on the gyroplane which would have resulted in disconnecting and reconnecting the crank triggered electrical connection. Although the pilot's control response following the loss of engine power could not be determined, main rotor contact with the vertical stabilizer/rudder is consistent with either an unloading of the main rotor blades, or an overcorrection (excessive control input) following the loss of engine power. While toxicology testing indicated that the pilot had used diphenhydramine at some time before the accident, the blood level of the potentially impairing medication could not be determined. Based on the circumstances of the accident, it is unlikely that the pilot's use of diphenhydramine contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have secured engine connections before flight to prevent power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents11

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