Pilot Debrief

ROTORSPORT UK LTD MTOSPORT 2017 near Easton, MD — 2023-10-13

Final reportERA24LA008
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Date
2023-10-13
Location
Easton, MD, USA
Airport
ESN
Aircraft
ROTORSPORT UK LTD MTOSPORT 2017
Registration
N975CD
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane on takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had just purchased the new gyroplane. He completed two delivery flights with a flight instructor, receiving about 1 hour of dual instruction. The pilot said the gyroplane flew beautifully, and he decided to fly home that day. Before takeoff, the pilot checked the flight controls, which functioned normally. There were no birds in the area and the wind was calm. On takeoff, when the gyroplane was about 5 ft above the runway, it made an uncommanded 30° yaw to the right. The pilot said he tried to correct with full left rudder pedal, but there was no response. The pilot said his only option was to reject the takeoff. He reduced power, pushed the nose forward, then pulled the controls back in an attempt to make a soft landing. The pilot stated that the main rotor blades flapped, and the gyroplane rolled before it “dropped” vertically about 15–20 ft to the ground. After the gyroplane came to a stop, the pilot turned off the engine. The pilot did not know why the gyroplane yawed but recalled that the control stick stayed in his hand, and he felt no feedback in the rudder pedals. A postaccident examination of the gyroplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for more training before attempting solo flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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