N6826Z

On July 10, 1997, at 0805 central daylight time, an experimental homebuilt Watts RAF 2000 Gyroplane, N6826Z, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground following a loss of control on takeoff from the Montgomery County Airport in Conroe, Texas. The private pilot, who held a solo endorsement for flight in the gyroplane, was the sole occupant and received minor injuries. The gyroplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 local solo instructional flight that was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that he "attempted lift off with too low airspeed" on runway 01, and approximately 10 feet AGL, the gyroplane yawed left. The pilot further reported that he over corrected with right rudder and then left rudder, and the gyroplane "nosed over left and crashed."

One witness stated that "after liftoff the gyrocopter appeared unstable, made a fast right turn to the east then rolled over to the point that the rotor blade hit the ground." Another witness reported that "just after [it] was airborne, the gyro copter banked right and crashed." Both witnesses, who were airport employees, stated that at 0805, the ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System) was reporting winds calm, altimeter setting 30.08 inches of Hg, and sky clear.

A FAA inspector examined the gyroplane and reported that the rotor mast was bent, and the rotor blades incurred structural damage.

According to FAA records, the pilot, who held a private pilot certificate with single and multi-engine land ratings, purchased the gyroplane on June 4, 1997. Review of the pilot's logbook indicated that between June 6 and July 1, he received 15 hours of dual instruction in the gyroplane. On July 1, the flight instructor endorsed the logbook for solo flights in a RAF 2000 Gyroplane, and the pilot completed a 1.0 hour solo flight. On July 9, the day before the accident, the pilot completed a 0.8 hour solo flight.