Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot in the gyroplane was working toward his gyroplane rating and had received a solo endorsement. He reported that during approach, he turned from base to final, and the airspeed decreased. The gyroplane "abruptly settled," and landed hard on the dirt surface. The rotor blades struck the ground and the gyroplane came to rest upright.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and the rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane 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# GAA19CA232