Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR12CA404

Spanish Fork, UT, USA

Aircraft #1

N51140

KORRISON TOM SPARROW HAWK

Analysis

The private pilot had been receiving dual instruction in a gyroplane. During the takeoff portion of his first solo flight in the gyroplane, it began drifting toward the edge of the runway. Although the pilot aborted the takeoff and tried to realign the gyroplane with the runway, his control inputs resulted in the gyroplane rolling onto its side, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor blades. According to the pilot, there was no indication of any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The private pilot, who held an airplane single engine land rating, had been taking dual instruction in a gyroplane. During the takeoff portion of his first solo flight in the gyroplane, it began drifting toward the edge of the runway. Although the pilot initiated an abort and tried to realign the gyroplane with the runway, his control inputs resulted in the gyroplane rolling onto its side, whereupon it sustained substantial damage. According to the pilot, there was no indication of any mechanical malfunction. Wind conditions were calm.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the gyroplane during an aborted takeoff.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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