Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain rotor speed during the takeoff which resulted in the gyrocopter descending and the main rotor impacting the ground, incurring damage.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 10, 2003, about 0930 eastern daylight time, a Michael Allen Brown RAF 2000 GTX gyrocopter, N9DQ, registered to and operated by a private individual as a Title 14 CFR part 91 personal flight, encountered blade flap during takeoff at Punta Gorda, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot was not injured and the gyrocopter incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated that he was performing a normal crosswind takeoff on the grass, and shortly after liftoff he did not adequately control the main rotor speed, and allowed the gyrocopter to descend and its main rotor to hit the ground. He further stated that prior to the rotor hitting the ground there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction to the gyrocopter or any of its systems.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA03CA107