Pilot Debrief

SPANGENBERG AR-1KC near Sarasota, FL — 2022-02-20

Final reportERA22LA134
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Date
2022-02-20
Location
Sarasota, FL, USA
Airport
SRQ
Aircraft
SPANGENBERG AR-1KC
Registration
N65PC
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper control input during an aborted takeoff procedure, which resulted in a main rotor blade contacting the vertical stabilizer, a loss of control, and subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, during the takeoff roll, she felt a “shudder” just before the gyrocopter became airborne. She immediately aborted the takeoff and reduced power with the aft cyclic still applied. The gyrocopter entered a steep nose-high attitude, and a main rotor blade struck the top of the vertical stabilizer. The gyrocopter departed the left side of the runway and landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder. Also, the nosewheel fractured and separated from the airframe. Postaccident examination of the flight controls and the fractured nosewheel revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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