Summary
On April 14, 2018, a Smith Dennis P MAGNI M24 (N3PW) was involved in an incident near La Grange, TX. 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 failure to maintain lateral control while taxiing onto the runway in gusting wind conditions.
The gyroplane pilot reported that, during taxi to the runway for takeoff, he began the pre-rotation of the rotor. He added that, as he turned the gyroplane to the right onto the runway, a "strong gust" of wind tilted the gyroplane to the left, and the rotor struck the ground. Subsequently, the gyroplane came to rest on its left side.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 320° at 17 knots, gusting 26 knots. The gyroplane was departing runway 34.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA217. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3PW.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control while taxiing onto the runway in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The gyroplane pilot reported that, during taxi to the runway for takeoff, he began the pre-rotation of the rotor. He added that, as he turned the gyroplane to the right onto the runway, a "strong gust" of wind tilted the gyroplane to the left, and the rotor struck the ground. Subsequently, the gyroplane came to rest on its left side.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 320° at 17 knots, gusting 26 knots. The gyroplane was departing runway 34.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA217