Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO VIBRATION FAILURE OF A 14-GAUGE ELECTRICAL WIRE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL OF THE IGNITION COIL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INADEQUATE DESIGN OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM BY DESIGN PERSONNEL, AND UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED FOLLOWING THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On April 11, 1995, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt gyroplane model RAF 2000 GTX SE, Canadian registration CGNAW, registered to Daniel W. Haseloh, landed hard and rolled over during a forced landing at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The gyroplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot was not injured. One passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated that after takeoff about 100 feet above ground level with obstructions ahead, the engine failed. He maneuvered to avoid the obstructions during which the rotor rpm decayed. The gyroplane then landed hard on the four wheels and rolled onto its left side.
Examination of the engine assembly revealed that a 14-gauge electrical wire which by schematic is connected to the negative terminal of the ignition coil, failed at the terminal at the ignition coil.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA95LA104