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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 11, 2005 · Ricardo Lopez RAF 2000 Gtxse · N282SL

Wickenburg, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 2005
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Wickenburg, AZ
Aircraft
Ricardo Lopez RAF 2000 Gtxse
Tail Number
N282SL
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX05CA295

The gyrocopter collided with terrain and rolled over during takeoff. The pilot departed his home field with a 240-pound passenger and full load of fuel. The performance was not good, but the flight was successful. He landed on runway 05 at the destination airport uneventfully. He departed on runway 05 in no wind conditions, and flew in the local area for an hour. When he returned for landing, other aircraft in the pattern were using runway 23, which had a left 90-degree crosswind. He filled the gyrocopter with fuel, and taxied to runway 23. He started to take off and noted that the nose wasn't light. He pulled back on the control stick and the gyrocopter popped up off the ground. He thought that he was behind the power curve and nosed over to gain airspeed. He did gain some airspeed, but the gyrocopter settled to the ground. He pulled back on the control stick to prevent landing on the nose gear. The gyrocopter lost airspeed and rotor speed. It was right of centerline when a gust of wind pushed it forward and to the right. The pilot said that he felt that if he had taken off downhill, the accident would not have happened, and he would have had adequate power and control movement to maintain control. He thought that performance would have been drastically better if he had added 6 gallons of fuel instead of 14 gallons. He felt that he failed to control the gyrocopter and did not consider the problems associated with marginal performance or ways to increase that performance. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to obtain and maintain an adequate airspeed and rotor speed during takeoff.

Full Narrative

This report is based on information received by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 MST
Nearest AirportWickenburg (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length5050 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRicardo Lopez RAF 2000 Gtxse
Tail NumberN282SL
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · Ej 22 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data