Pilot Debrief

CHARLES A BRAZIL MTO SPORT near McCoy, TX — 2017-10-02

Final reportCEN18LA002
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Date
2017-10-02
Location
McCoy, TX, USA
Aircraft
CHARLES A BRAZIL MTO SPORT
Registration
N818PB
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a powerline during landing.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot was conducting a personal flight in the gyrocopter and planned on landing near his residence. The pilot reported that he made a normal approach near the powerlines; however, a gust of wind pushed the gyrocopter downward and the left landing gear caught a powerline. The pilot lost control of the gyrocopter and it impacted a road and came to rest on its right side. The accident is consistent with the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a powerline during the landing approach.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different approach path to avoid power lines.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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