Summary
On May 27, 2017, a Robert Hamblin AUTOGYRO GMBH CAVALO (N721E) was involved in an accident near Fort Worth, TX. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain.
The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that after flying over his passenger's house to take pictures, he headed back to the airport. He added that while in level flight, he noticed that "the trees on the ground under [him were] rapidly getting closer". He initially presumed something was wrong with the engine, so he reduced throttle and then successfully applied full throttle in an attempt to troubleshoot the situation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA308. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N721E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that after flying over his passenger's house to take pictures, he headed back to the airport. He added that while in level flight, he noticed that "the trees on the ground under [him were] rapidly getting closer". He initially presumed something was wrong with the engine, so he reduced throttle and then successfully applied full throttle in an attempt to troubleshoot the situation. He made a left 180° turn and the gyrocopter struck trees and impacted terrain.
The gyrocopter sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyrocopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that he had presumed the terrain he was flying over was flat, but had later realized he had flown into rising terrain.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA308