N25VK – VAN KALKER JOHN E RAF 2000 GTX SE – 2011-07-06 NTSB Accident Report

On July 06, 2011, a Van Kalker John E RAF 2000 GTX SE (N25VK) was involved in an incident near Decker, IN. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The improper landing flare, which resulted in the gyroplane's main rotor contacting the runway surface.

The flight instructor reported that during the training flight, he retarded engine power during the downwind leg of the traffic pattern in order to simulate an engine failure. During the flare for the simulated forced landing the main rotor blade of the gyroplane struck the ground directly behind the aircraft which resulted in the gyroplane rolling over on its left side. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the gyroplane prior to the accident. The aircraft received substantial damage which included a bent keel, a bent/broken rotor mast, a damaged main rotor blade, empennage damage, a cracked cabin, and a broken propeller.

This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA454. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N25VK.