Pilot Debrief

AUTOGYRO MT03 near San Jose, CA — 2026-06-29

Investigation ongoingWPR26LA237
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Date
2026-06-29
Location
San Jose, CA, USA
Airport
RHV
Aircraft
AUTOGYRO MT03
Registration
N423AG
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On June 29, 2026, about 1148 Pacific daylight Time, a MTO Sport gyroplane, N423AG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV), San Jose, California. The pilot was seriously injured, and the passenger received minor injuries. The gyroplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to take a passenger on a local traffic pattern flight to demonstrate the gyroplane. The pilot reported that the pre-flight inspection, engine start, run-up, magneto check, and pre-takeoff checks revealed no anomalies. Before taking off from runway 14L, he engaged the secondary fuel pump. The pilot stated that the takeoff roll was normal; however, when the main landing gear was about 6 inches above the runway, the radio lost power. He attempted to reset the radio power but was unable to restore it, which he believed was indicative of a master power failure. As the gyroplane approached the departure end of the runway about 130 ft above ground level, the pilot noticed that the gyroplane was no longer climbing and had entered a slight descent. He selected a dirt area off the runway for a forced landing. The gyroplane continued to descend and impacted terrain at about 15 mph. Resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor system. The wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Takeoff
  • Loss of Thrust on Takeoff
View NTSB preliminary report

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