CEN13CA017

Factual narrative

While performing touch-and-go training, the gyrocraft impacted terrain during a takeoff from the runway. The gyroplane's fuselage was substantially damaged. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the solo private pilot sustained a broken arm and a concussion; the pilot could not recall the accident sequence. In addition, the pilot was training to obtain a gyrocraft endorsement and had been signed off by his flight instructor to operate solo in winds up to 9 knots. Winds at the time of the accident were 20 degrees from runway heading at 19 knots gusting to 27 knots. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accumulated about 271 hours total time with 10 hours dual and 1.5 hours solo in make and model. A visual examination of the gyrocraft did not reveal any preimpact anomalies. The private pilot, who had 10 hours of dual instruction and 1.5 hours of solo flight in the gyroplane make and model, was performing touch-and-go landings in the gyroplane in pursuit of a gyroplane endorsement when the gyroplane impacted terrain during a takeoff, and the fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot could not recall the accident sequence. The wind at the time of the accident was from 190 degrees at 19 knots gusting to 27 knots. Documentation showed that the pilot had been signed off by his flight instructor to operate the gyroplane solo in wind up to 9 knots. A visual examination of the gyroplane did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the information available, it is likely the pilot did not maintain directional control while taking off in the gyroplane in strong, gusty wind conditions. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-(general)-Pilot - C
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Total experience w/ equipment-Pilot - C