Pilot Debrief

ROBERT SNYDER AUTOGYRO CALIDUS near Beaufort, SC — 2018-03-05

Final reportERA18LA095
Sign in to save
Date
2018-03-05
Location
Beaufort, SC, USA
Airport
ARW
Aircraft
ROBERT SNYDER AUTOGYRO CALIDUS
Registration
N221YT
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The gyroplane pilot's failure to maintain rotor speed and aircraft control as he was attempting to return to the runway during a low-altitude simulated engine-out maneuver.

NTSB narrative

After performing a normal takeoff, the private pilot of the gyroplane transmitted over the radio that he was going to conduct a simulated engine-out maneuver and return to the opposite runway. Witnesses saw the gyroplane flying toward the runway erratically and at low altitude over a field. The gyroplane's nose pitched up, and the gyroplane rolled inverted before impacting a grass area to the side of the runway. One witness, who was also a pilot, estimated that the gyroplane climbed to 300 to 500 ft above ground level before performing the maneuver and speculated that it may not have been enough altitude to complete the maneuver. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions and the two main rotor blades did not exhibit significant rotational damage. It is likely that, as the pilot was maneuvering aggressively at low altitude with the engine power at idle, he allowed the main rotor speed to decay, which resulted in a subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided performing a simulated engine out maneuver at low altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

Related mishaps