Pilot Debrief

ELA ELA10 near Boulder, CO — 2026-03-29

Final reportCEN26LA152
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Date
2026-03-29
Location
Boulder, CO, USA
Airport
BDU
Aircraft
ELA ELA10
Registration
N510EA
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after an uneventful landing he applied full power to initiate a touch-and-go on runway 26. During the takeoff portion of the maneuver, the gyroplane began to drift to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the drift; however, each time the nosewheel lifted off the runway, the gyroplane continued to drift to the left. As the gyroplane continued to drift towards the runway edge, the pilot attempted to rotate the gyroplane to take off. The gyroplane tipped to the left and impacted the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the mast and empennage. Wind at the time of the accident was 280° at 10 knots gusting to 19 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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