Pilot Debrief

Snobird Charger near Toledo, WA — 2008-04-11

Final reportLAX08CA110
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Date
2008-04-11
Location
Toledo, WA, USA
Airport
KTDO
Aircraft
Snobird Charger
Registration
UNREG
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper use of the flight controls during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

Immediately after takeoff the single seat gyroplane tilted forward and impacted the runway. The pilot reported to a National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he did not recall the accident. His only memory was taxiing the gyroplane in preparation for departure. A witness, who was about 1/2 mile away, observed the gyroplane through binoculars. He watched the gyroplane taxi down the runway and observed the main rotor come up to speed. The pilot performed what he thought was a normal takeoff roll, but then the gyroplane popped up into the air quicker than normal. In reaction, the pilot appeared to overcorrect, overrotating the gyroplane forward, and impacting the runway. An FAA inspector examined the gyroplane after the accident and did not find any evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies or failures.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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