Pilot Debrief

Pavel Vagner TANGO near Dublin, TX — 2019-10-05

Final reportGAA20CA005
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Date
2019-10-05
Location
Dublin, TX, USA
Airport
9F0
Aircraft
Pavel Vagner TANGO
Registration
N8445P
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare and failure to maintain lateral control, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and subsequent roll-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during landing, the gyroplane was too high above the runway. He attempted to "cushion the landing" by forcing the nose up as he "gunned the engine a couple of times." The fluctuations in torque caused the gyroplane to turn right, and he corrected with hard, left rudder application. Because the gyroplane was configured with the front wheel mechanically linked to the rudder for directional control, the front wheel was turned completely left, which resulted in the gyroplane turning "violently" left upon touching down hard and then rolling onto its right side. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the main rotor drive system and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation and that the accident was caused by pilot error.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to execute a go-around instead of attempting to land.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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