Pilot Debrief

CELIER AVIATION XENON R near Loma, CO — 2014-10-05

Final reportCEN15LA004
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Date
2014-10-05
Location
Loma, CO, USA
Aircraft
CELIER AVIATION XENON R
Registration
N719MB
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a static wire and his decision to maneuver the gyroplane at low altitude.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was conducting a personal flight in the gyroplane with one passenger on board. The gyroplane impacted a static wire that was strung between two poles on opposite sides of a river and was estimated to be about 50 ft above the water's surface. Damage to the gyroplane, including the separation of the main rotor assembly and impact signatures on the mast mount, was consistent with a wire strike. Postaccident examination did not reveal any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions. Based on the available information, it is likely that the pilot chose to make a low-altitude flight along the river and failed to see and avoid the static wire.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided flying near power lines during descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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