N4132R

On October 16, 2003, about 0830 mountain standard time, a Mayfield RAF 2000 experimental gyroplane, N4132R, experienced a hard landing during an initial solo flight at Buckeye Municipal Airport (BXK), Buckeye, Arizona. A private individual was operating the flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot was not injured; the gyroplane sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed Buckeye about 0825. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting his first solo flight. After a normal traffic pattern, he rolled out on final approach. When he was over the numbers, he leveled off, reduced power, and brought the stick back to flare. The gyroplane was at 5 miles per hour (mph) and 6 feet above ground level (agl). The tail wheel struck first, followed by the right main gear and the main rotor blades. The gyroplane rolled to the left and spun 180 degrees. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions and felt he leveled off too high during the flare.