Pilot Debrief

Wilhelm Calidus near Thompsonville, MI — 2011-10-07

Final reportCEN12LA013
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Date
2011-10-07
Location
Thompsonville, MI, USA
Airport
7Y2
Aircraft
Wilhelm Calidus
Registration
N455BW
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot 's inability to maintain control of the gyrocraft during the landing roll for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the takeoff seemed normal but that on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern the gyrocraft tended to roll to the right and he had difficulty keeping it level. He completed the traffic pattern and successfully touched down on the runway. However, after landing, he was unable to maintain control. The gyrocraft departed the runway pavement and rolled onto its right side. A postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity throughout the system. No preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures were found that would have precluded normal operation. Documentation indicated that the gyrocraft was loaded within approved weight and balance limitations at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that this was his first flight in the gyrocraft and it was intended to be the first full flight of the required flight test operations phase. He noted that a mechanic had conducted 3 momentary flights over the runway after the gyrocraft had been completed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing when experiencing control difficulties.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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