Pilot Debrief

PEARSON JON M DRAGONFLY near Anahuac, TX — 2013-11-16

Final reportCEN14LA056
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Date
2013-11-16
Location
Anahuac, TX, USA
Airport
T00
Aircraft
PEARSON JON M DRAGONFLY
Registration
N975DF
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The incorrect installation by the pilot, who was not a certificated mechanic or repairman, of the main rotor head bearing block, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the rotor head.

NTSB narrative

The gyroplane was in the airport traffic pattern when witnesses saw the main rotor head separate in flight and the gyroplane subsequently impact terrain. The pilot's friends and the mechanic who performed the last conditional inspection reported that the pilot/owner performed most of the maintenance on the gyroplane and that he had recently installed the main rotor head bearing block. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the bearing block had been installed upside down and was being held in place solely by friction. The pilot was not a Federal Aviation Administration-certificated mechanic or repairman.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Proper installation of the main rotor head bearing block could have prevented failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents12

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