Pilot Debrief

MAGNI M-24 PLUS near Nashua, NH — 2020-01-15

Final reportERA20LA076
Sign in to save
Date
2020-01-15
Location
Nashua, NH, USA
Airport
ASH
Aircraft
MAGNI M-24 PLUS
Registration
N327JD
Category
Gyroplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's incapacitation during the takeoff roll due to a stroke.

NTSB narrative

According to a witness, the gyroplane used more runway than typical to become airborne before it began to drift toward the left edge of the runway. About halfway down the runway, the gyroplane departed the runway, bounced over a taxiway, porpoised, and came to rest inverted. The witness stated that he saw no indication that the pilot had attempted to slow down or correct the left deviation from centerline. After the accident, a medical evaluation identified that the pilot had experienced a cerebral infarction (stroke). Symptoms often develop suddenly and can include numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; confusion; difficulty speaking; trouble seeing; severe headache; and loss of coordination. It is likely that the pilot was incapacitated by the stroke during the takeoff roll.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when drifting left on runway.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

Related mishaps