Summary
On May 04, 2017, a Autogyro Calidus (N991TC) was involved in an accident near Stevensville, MD. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot’s improper takeoff procedure, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the takeoff.
The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that during the takeoff roll, the rotor RPM was not increasing. He continued the takeoff and kept the gyrocopter on the ground to gain airspeed by not moving the stick in the full aft position. He added that this was an "old existing airplane habit". Subsequently, during the takeoff the gyrocopter developed a "rotor flap" and he lost directional control. The gyrocopter came to rest on its side to the left of the runway.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA258. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N991TC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper takeoff procedure, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that during the takeoff roll, the rotor RPM was not increasing. He continued the takeoff and kept the gyrocopter on the ground to gain airspeed by not moving the stick in the full aft position. He added that this was an "old existing airplane habit". Subsequently, during the takeoff the gyrocopter developed a "rotor flap" and he lost directional control. The gyrocopter came to rest on its side to the left of the runway.
The pilot added that not having the stick full aft prevented the rotor RPM from increasing, and the appropriate corrective action would have been to apply full aft stick.
The gyrocopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rotors.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyrocopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The Gyrocopter's Flight Manual states that during the takeoff roll, the pilot must "bring the control stick fully aft".
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA258