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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 16, 1994 · Air & Space 18A · N6118S

Atlanta, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 16, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Atlanta, GA
Aircraft
Air & Space 18A
Tail Number
N6118S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL94LA039

THE PILOT WAS FLYING POWER LINE PATROL IN THE GYROPLANE WHEN HE EXPERIENCED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENDING RIGHT TURN. EFFORTS BY THE PILOT TO CORRECT THE DESCENDING TURN FAILED. THE PILOT SELECTED A BASEBALL FIELD AND ATTEMPTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING. WHILE ON SHORT FINAL, THE PILOT REALIZED THAT A COLLISION WAS UNAVOIDABLE IF HE CONTINUED THE EXISTING HEADING, SO HE INITIATED A FLARE ABOUT 8 FT ABOVE THE GROUND. AS THE AIRCRAFT FELL, THE MAIN ROTOR BLADES STRUCK THE GROUND. EXAMINATION OF THE TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL EXPLANATION FOR THE INADVERTENT ENGAGEMENT OF THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE MAIN ROTOR SYSTEM EXAMINATION ALSO FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR COMPONENT FAILURE OF ROTOR SYSTEM COMPONENTS,

NTSB Probable Cause

A LOSS OF CONTROL FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

Full Narrative

On January 16, 1994, at 1135 eastern standard time, an Air and Space America, A gyroplane, N6118S collided with the ground after the aircraft entered an uncommanded right descending turn in Atlanta, Georgia. The aerial observation flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage, and the airline transport pilot was not injured. The flight departed Jonesboro, Georgia, at 1100 hours. According to the pilot, while maneuvering about 300 feet above the ground, the aircraft entered an uncommanded right descending turn; efforts to regain control failed. The pilot selected a baseball field and attempted an emergency landing. As the aircraft approached the touchdown point, the pilot realized that continuing the final approach heading would result in a collision with the fence around the baseball field. As the pilot flared the aircraft eight feet above the ground the main rotor blades collided with the ground. Examination of the transmission and clutch engagement system failed to disclose a mechanical explanation for the inadvertent engagement of the clutch assembly. The main rotor system examination also failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or component failure of rotor system components.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:35 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir & Space 18A
Tail NumberN6118S
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point23 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data