Pilot Debrief

CHRISTOPHER LORD ELA 07 SCORPION near Sebring, FL — 2018-05-07

Final reportERA18TA144
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Date
2018-05-07
Location
Sebring, FL, USA
Airport
SEF
Aircraft
CHRISTOPHER LORD ELA 07 SCORPION
Registration
N534EA
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to slow the gyroplane and maintain control while exiting the runway.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the experimental, amateur-built gyroplane. He landed on the runway and began a left turn to the taxiway. A witness stated that the rotor blades had a "high speed" of rotation after the gyroplane landed and that a main rotor blade struck the runway. Subsequently, the gyroplane spun and rolled onto its right side, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor, and tail section. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation. He recommended that the accident might have been prevented by "slow[ing] down while making turns."

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have slowed down while making turns to prevent the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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