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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 15, 1997 · Rotz RAF 2000 GTX SE RAF 2000 G · N9155H

Olympia, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 15, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Olympia, WA
Aircraft
Rotz RAF 2000 GTX SE RAF 2000 G
Tail Number
N9155H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA97LA189

During takeoff with a gyroplane, the pilot initiated the takeoff with a rotor speed of 150 rpm in order to expedite his takeoff for a landing airplane. As the aircraft became airborne, it started a roll to the left and the rotor blades struck the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to attain adequate rotor rpm prior to takeoff.

Full Narrative

On August 15, 1997, approximately 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Rotz RAF 2000 GTX SE homebuilt gyroplane, N9155H, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during takeoff from the Olympia airport at Olympia, WA. The sole occupant received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the 14 CFR 91 flight. The pilot reported that he had been cleared to takeoff from runway 17 and was starting a prerotation when the controller advised there was a LearJet on final and he would need to expedite his takeoff or clear the runway. The pilot initiated the takeoff roll with a rotor speed of 150 RPM. At 180 to 200 RPM the pilot disengaged the rotor and went to full power. As the aircraft became airborne, it started a roll to the left at about 10 ft elevation and the rotor blades struck the ground.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 PDT
Nearest AirportOLYMPIA (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length5419 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRotz RAF 2000 GTX SE RAF 2000 G
Tail NumberN9155H
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · LEGACY · Reciprocating · 130
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind225° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data