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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 14, 2005 · Mayfield Sparrowhawk · N8023Y

Hondo, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 14, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hondo, TX
Aircraft
Mayfield Sparrowhawk
Tail Number
N8023Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW05CA120

The 5,600-hour pilot lost control of the gyrocraft during takeoff and the gyrocraft rolled over onto its left side. The pilot stated that prior to the flight he had adjusted the pre-rotator gear. Examination of the gyrocraft revealed that a worn internal bolt within the pre-rotator cable appeared jammed in the engaged position.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the gyrocraft during takeoff. A contributing factor was the failure of the pre-rotator cable.

Full Narrative

On May 14, 2005, approximately 1400 central daylight time, a Mayfield Sparrowhawk single-engine gyrocraft, N8023Y, sustained substantial damage when it impacted the ground following a loss of control during takeoff from runway 08 at the Hondo Municipal Airport (HDO), near Hondo, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the gyrocraft, was not injured. The gyrocraft was registered and operated by GBA Gyros of Phoenix, of Paradise Valley, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The 5,600-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that the accident flight was the first flight after he had adjusted the pre-rotator gear. During takeoff, the gyrocraft yawed to the right and the pilot attempted to land. As the gyrocraft landed, it rolled over onto its left side. Examination of the Subaru powered gyrocraft by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the tubular structure fuselage was bent and separated in various areas. The main rotor blade was also damaged. Examination of the pre-rotator cable revealed that a worn internal bolt appeared jammed in the engaged position.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest AirportHondo Municipal Aiport (0nm)
Runway08
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMayfield Sparrowhawk
Tail NumberN8023Y
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · EJ 2.5 · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time18:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data