Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain situational and geographic awareness during the flight, which resulted in him becoming lost and exhausting the gyroplane’s fuel.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-built gyroplane, during a solo cross-country flight, he became lost and decided to follow a nearby highway. Unfamiliar with the area, he exhausted the gyroplane's fuel supply, and landed on a highway. The gyroplane's nose wheel struck a passing car, but the gyroplane was able to touch down, and stop on the right shoulder of the highway. A passing semi-truck struck the rotor blades of the gyroplane.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rotor system.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA073