Pilot Debrief

CLIFFORD E MASSEY AR-1 near ANAHUAC, TX — 2018-12-15

Final reportGAA19CA101
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Date
2018-12-15
Location
ANAHUAC, TX, USA
Airport
T00
Aircraft
CLIFFORD E MASSEY AR-1
Registration
N923DJ
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the gyroplane reported that, while practicing simulated engine-out landings, the gyroplane experienced a sudden loss of lift during the flare due to "possible strong wind shear." The gyroplane then descended about 4 ft, and he attempted to recover with full power, but the gyroplane landed hard. Subsequently, the propeller struck the ground, the gyroplane bounced, and the rotor impacted the ground and sheared off. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and mast. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that the weather at the airport, about the time of the accident, was wind from 300° at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed the gyroplane on runway 35.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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