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NTSB Report
May 25, 1992 · Willis Homebuilt Gyrocopter Homebuilt · UNREG
Adelanto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Adelanto, CA
Aircraft
Willis Homebuilt Gyrocopter Homebuilt
Tail Number
UNREG
Operator
Willis William E
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX92LA218
THE HOMEBUILT GYROCOPTER WAS OBSERVED BY TO ENTER A STEEP LOW LEVEL TURN OVER THE EL MIRAGE DRY LAKE AFTER MEETING AN APPROACHING MOTOR VEHICLE. THE WITNESS STATED THAT THE GYROCOPTER NOSED INTO THE DRY LAKE BED WHILE IN THE TURN. THE PILOT HAD BUILT THE GYROCOPTER FROM SALVAGE PARTS. HE HAD BEEN FLYING GYROCOPTERS SINCE HE WAS 15 YEARS OLD. HE HAD NOT RECEIVED FORMAL FLIGHT TRAINING IN THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT'S TOXICOLOGICAL EXAMINATION SHOWED 5.12 MG/L METHAMPHETAMINE AND 0.47 MG/L AMPHETAMINE IN THE HEART BLOOD.
NTSB Probable Cause
A LOSS OF CONTROL FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Full Narrative
THE HOMEBUILT GYROCOPTER WAS OBSERVED BY TO ENTER A STEEP LOW LEVEL TURN OVER THE EL MIRAGE DRY LAKE AFTER MEETING AN APPROACHING MOTOR VEHICLE. THE WITNESS STATED THAT THE GYROCOPTER NOSED INTO THE DRY LAKE BED WHILE IN THE TURN. THE PILOT HAD BUILT THE GYROCOPTER FROM SALVAGE PARTS. HE HAD BEEN FLYING GYROCOPTERS SINCE HE WAS 15 YEARS OLD. HE HAD NOT RECEIVED FORMAL FLIGHT TRAINING IN THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT'S TOXICOLOGICAL EXAMINATION SHOWED 5.12 MG/L METHAMPHETAMINE AND 0.47 MG/L AMPHETAMINE IN THE HEART BLOOD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWillis Homebuilt Gyrocopter Homebuilt
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageDestroyed
OperatorWillis William E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT