Pilot Debrief

Degraw Rhino II near Jackson, MI — 2011-07-15

Final reportCEN11LA481
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Date
2011-07-15
Location
Jackson, MI, USA
Aircraft
Degraw Rhino II
Registration
N122DG
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The witness, who was also the owner, builder, and designer of the gyroplane, reported that the gyroplane did a “mild jumpstart,” climbed to about 200 feet above ground level (agl), and was traveling about 20 to 25 mph when the wind changed to the opposite direction. The nose of the gyroplane pitched up, the airspeed dropped to about 5 mph, and the gyroplane yawed to the right about 80 degrees, pitched down, and yawed to the left. The witness reported that the pilot pulled up on the collective. The main rotor blades “started flapping,” and the gyroplane plunged to the ground from about 30 feet agl. It impacted the ground in about a 20-degree-nose-down and 10-degree-left-roll attitude. The witness reported that ballast was not placed in the front seat for the flight, which moved the center or gravity (CG) aft; however, the previous takeoff had been successful. The witness expressed his belief that the slower than normal takeoff speed, the wind reversal, and the aft CG were factors in the accident. He reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the gyroplane. The examination of the gyroplane revealed no preexisting anomalies to the engine or airframe. The reported surface wind about 10 miles from the accident site was variable at 5 knots.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Not using ballast in the front seat before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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