N186S

On June 22, 2003, at 1200 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt RAF 2000 gyrocopter, N186S, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a partial loss of power near Stoutsville, Ohio. The certificated private pilot/owner/builder and the passenger were not injured. No flight plan was filed for the flight that originated at Pickaway County Memorial Airport (CYO), Circleville, Ohio, about 1145. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot said that he was in cruise flight about 1,000 feet above the ground when the engine had a reduction in power, which he described as being similar to when the throttle is pulled back to the idle position. The pilot checked the throttle, turned on the second fuel pump and checked the gauges, which were all indicating normal. The fuel gauge indicated there were about 6 gallons on board.

The pilot maintained a best-glide-speed of 60 miles per hour (mph), and landed the gyrocopter on the side of a hill. After landing, the gyrocopter rolled over.

The pilot examined the gyrocopter after the accident and located the cause of the power reduction in flight. The axle shock absorber on the main landing gear strut, which extended down and in, about 3 inches after take off, put pressure on the engine computer wire. The computer wire was knife-connected, in heat shrink, behind the strut. Continual opening and collapsing of the strut eventually pulled the wire and connecter apart.

The pilot replaced the wire and connecter, and re-routed the cable, plus put a Tyrap around the connecter. The engine was then started, and ran "great".

The pilot stated that he would include an examination of the engine computer wire, along with exercising the strut, during subsequent 25-hour inspections.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an examination of the gyrocopter, and confirmed the pilot's findings. He also reported that the main rotor system was torn off, and the tail section and main landing gear were substantially damaged.

The gyrocopter and engine had accrued a total time of 123 hours at the time of the accident.

Weather at Fairfield County Airport (LHQ), Lancaster, Ohio, about 13 miles northeast, was reported as winds from 340 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 10 statue miles, and clear skies. The temperature was 77 degrees F, and the dewpoint was 55 degrees F.