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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

June 18, 1988 · Kennedy Skycycle 2 · N33KA

Orlando, FL

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 18, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Orlando, FL
Aircraft
Kennedy Skycycle 2
Tail Number
N33KA
Operator
Kennedy Paul E
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA88FA197

THE GYROPLANE WAS ON A LOCAL DEMONSTRATION FLT. THE PASSENGER (PAX) STATED THE PLT TOOK OFF, CLIMBED TO APRX 500 FT AGL,DESCENDED TO APRX 20 FT AGL & MANEUVERED NEAR OBSERVERS. HE SAID THE PLT THEN ADDED POWER & INITIATED A 30 DEG CLIMB ATTITUDE. THE PAX REMEMBERED EXPERIENCING A NEGATIVE 'G' SENSATION & SAID THE PLT WAS MOVING THE STICK AROUND, TRYING TO FIND OUT 'WHERE THEY WERE.' THE GYROPLANE THEN DESCENDED & STRUCK THE GROUND. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE POWERPLANT, AIRFRAME OR FLT CONTROLS. THE PLT DID NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED ROTORCRAFT CATEGORY & GYROPLANE CLASS RATING. HIS MEDICAL CERTIFICATE REQUIRED HIM TO WEAR CORRECTING LENSES WHILE EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF HIS AIRMAN CERTIFICATE. ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE PLT WAS NOT WEARING GLASSES. THE GYROPLANE HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED AN AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE BY THE FAA.

Full Narrative

THE GYROPLANE WAS ON A LOCAL DEMONSTRATION FLT. THE PASSENGER (PAX) STATED THE PLT TOOK OFF, CLIMBED TO APRX 500 FT AGL,DESCENDED TO APRX 20 FT AGL & MANEUVERED NEAR OBSERVERS. HE SAID THE PLT THEN ADDED POWER & INITIATED A 30 DEG CLIMB ATTITUDE. THE PAX REMEMBERED EXPERIENCING A NEGATIVE 'G' SENSATION & SAID THE PLT WAS MOVING THE STICK AROUND, TRYING TO FIND OUT 'WHERE THEY WERE.' THE GYROPLANE THEN DESCENDED & STRUCK THE GROUND. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE POWERPLANT, AIRFRAME OR FLT CONTROLS. THE PLT DID NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED ROTORCRAFT CATEGORY & GYROPLANE CLASS RATING. HIS MEDICAL CERTIFICATE REQUIRED HIM TO WEAR CORRECTING LENSES WHILE EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF HIS AIRMAN CERTIFICATE. ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE PLT WAS NOT WEARING GLASSES. THE GYROPLANE HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED AN AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE BY THE FAA.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKennedy Skycycle 2
Tail NumberN33KA
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageDestroyed
OperatorKennedy Paul E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 532 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data