Pilot Debrief

Sparrowhawk II near North Myrtle Beach, SC — 2020-10-07

Final reportERA21LA031
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Date
2020-10-07
Location
North Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Aircraft
Sparrowhawk II
Registration
N40380
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A ruptured fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine and a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that he departed with full fuel tanks for a local flight. While flying along a coastline, the engine lost power, and the pilot navigated to complete a forced landing on a beach. During the landing rollout, the nose wheel dug into soft sand and the gyrocopter rolled over onto its left side, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor and empennage. Postaccident examination of the gyrocopter’s engine revealed that a rubber fuel supply line was ruptured. Given this information, it is likely that the fuel leak starved the engine of fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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