Pilot Debrief

MILLS GREGORY T AIR COMMANDER LRT near Tybee Island, GA — 2016-05-14

Final reportGAA16CA240
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Date
2016-05-14
Location
Tybee Island, GA, USA
Aircraft
MILLS GREGORY T AIR COMMANDER LRT
Registration
N962GT
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to perform a touch-and-go on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a rollover.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of a gyroplane reported that during a touch-and-go on a sand bar, the nose wheel began to dig into soft sand. The pilot further reported that he turned the nose wheel to the left towards firmer sand, but the spring-loaded nose wheel dug further into the sand and suddenly turned "full left." Subsequently, the gyroplane rolled over to the right, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported that the throttle quadrant friction-set screw had become loose while in-flight, but the mechanical malfunction did not occur during the touch-and-go phase of flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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