Summary
On June 20, 2015, a Paquin Michael A A (N485MP) was involved in an incident near Concord, NH. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a roll over. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot's failure to disengage the main rotor brake prior to takeoff.
The pilot of the amateur built gyrocopter reported that during taxi to the runway, he was distracted by his electronic altimeter when it entered a sleep mode. After resetting the altimeter, the pilot immediately entered the active runway and initiated the takeoff roll without disengaging the main rotor brake. Subsequently, at 25 miles per hour during the takeoff roll he reported an unusual vibration and a knocking sound. The pilot attempted to reduce speed, but the gyrocopter tipped forward and to the left, the main rotor impacted the ground, and the gyrocopter rolled over on its right side coming to a stop on the runway.
During an interview with the pilot, he explained that the rotor brake must be disengaged before takeoff.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA127. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N485MP.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a roll over. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot's failure to disengage the main rotor brake prior to takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the amateur built gyrocopter reported that during taxi to the runway, he was distracted by his electronic altimeter when it entered a sleep mode. After resetting the altimeter, the pilot immediately entered the active runway and initiated the takeoff roll without disengaging the main rotor brake. Subsequently, at 25 miles per hour during the takeoff roll he reported an unusual vibration and a knocking sound. The pilot attempted to reduce speed, but the gyrocopter tipped forward and to the left, the main rotor impacted the ground, and the gyrocopter rolled over on its right side coming to a stop on the runway.
During an interview with the pilot, he explained that the rotor brake must be disengaged before takeoff. He also stated that this accident may have been prevented if the rotor brake was designed in a manner that required manual hand pressure from the pilot.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyrocopter that would have precluded normal operation. Substantial damage was found along the main rotor and vertical stabilizer.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA127