Summary
On April 13, 2018, a Hawley Richard A1B (N5249H) was involved in an accident near Lincoln, CA. 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 failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
The pilot reported that this was his first flight in the accident gyroplane. He added that, during takeoff from runway 15, which was 6,001 ft long by 100 ft wide, he centered the gyroplane on the runway and increased engine rpm and rotor speed. Around 120 rotor rpm during the takeoff roll, he pulled back on the cyclic. He further added that, due to his injuries sustained in the accident, he does not recall what occurred afterwards.
The gyroplane came to rest on its right side on the right side of the runway and sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that,...
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA213. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5249H.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that this was his first flight in the accident gyroplane. He added that, during takeoff from runway 15, which was 6,001 ft long by 100 ft wide, he centered the gyroplane on the runway and increased engine rpm and rotor speed. Around 120 rotor rpm during the takeoff roll, he pulled back on the cyclic. He further added that, due to his injuries sustained in the accident, he does not recall what occurred afterwards.
The gyroplane came to rest on its right side on the right side of the runway and sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 260° at 7 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 15 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 330° at 5 knots. The gyrocopter was departing runway 15.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA213