Pilot Debrief

ERICKSON LARRY D RAF 2000 GT near Humboldt, IA — 2015-08-09

Final reportCEN15LA344
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Date
2015-08-09
Location
Humboldt, IA, USA
Aircraft
ERICKSON LARRY D RAF 2000 GT
Registration
N315LK
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of gyroplane control while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The sport pilot and passenger were on a local flight in the gyroplane. The passenger reported that, after about 30 minutes of flight, the pilot made a low-altitude pass over the passenger's home. The gyroplane started to descend below the tallest trees on the property at a low-power setting, and as it approached the ground, the pilot rapidly increased engine power, likely to stop the descent. The gyroplane subsequently banked right and impacted a tree in the passenger's front yard. Postaccident examination of the gyroplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact failures, and no evidence was found indicating that the rotor blades struck the rudder or propeller blades.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided low pass over trees to prevent loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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