Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
a partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination, and the pilot-in-command's improper decision to land with a tailwind.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On January 18, 1996, about 1430 central standard time, a privately-owned experimental gyroplane, an unregistered Dominator crashed while on a 14 CFR Part 91 cross-country instructional flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The gyroplane was substantially damaged and the flight instructor and student were not injured. The flight had originated from Quincy, Florida, earlier that same day.
The CFI stated that during the takeoff the engine ran rough. He then returned to the airport, checked the plugs, and cleaned the fuel filter of contaminant that was found. On the second takeoff the engine ran fine. About 30 minutes into the flight while at 500 feet the engine began to loose power. He then attempted a downwind precautionary landing to a field. During the landing the nose gear buckled, and the main rotor blades, propeller, and airframe were damaged.
This accident was not reported to the NTSB until March 06, 1996.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA96LA095