Pilot Debrief

CHRISTOPHER LORD ELA ECLIPSE 10 near Calhoun, GA — 2018-05-05

Final reportGAA18CA273
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Date
2018-05-05
Location
Calhoun, GA, USA
Aircraft
CHRISTOPHER LORD ELA ECLIPSE 10
Registration
N533EA
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in a loss of altitude and necessitated a sudden descent to unsuitable terrain.

NTSB narrative

The solo student gyroplane pilot reported that he "was flying behind the power curve," and the gyroplane lost altitude. He added that he couldn't tell if there were power lines ahead and decided to conduct a "hard vertical de[s]cent landing." The terrain was uneven, and the gyroplane rolled onto its side during landing. The student added that, before he decided to land, he got distracted for a few seconds and descended below a safe altitude. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rotor, fuselage, and empennage. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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