Pilot Debrief

LUCIANO EDISON HA-2 SPORTSTER near Humacao, PR — 2010-04-03

Final reportERA10LA207
Sign in to save
Date
2010-04-03
Location
Humacao, PR, USA
Airport
X63
Aircraft
LUCIANO EDISON HA-2 SPORTSTER
Registration
N764EL
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the gyrocraft while maneuvering after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the gyrocraft with an inoperative right magneto.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the gyrocraft with an inoperative right magneto.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported hearing the engine operate at a reduced power setting as the flight was taking off, remaining constant from the point of takeoff to the moment of impact. The gyrocraft was observed climbing to approximately 100 feet and banking hard to the left before it began to descend. A witness noted that the gyrocraft was in a 45-degree nose-low attitude, which he perceived was the pilot's attempt to gain airspeed. Postaccident inspection of the engine revealed that the right magneto was inoperative and several out-of-specification discrepancies were noted with both magnetos, consistent with a lack of maintenance.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after adjusting rotor blades.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

Related mishaps