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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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April 11, 2008 · Snobird Charger · UNREG

Toledo, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 11, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Toledo, WA
Aircraft
Snobird Charger
Tail Number
UNREG
Operator
David Hill
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA110

Immediately after takeoff the single seat gyroplane tilted forward and impacted the runway. The pilot reported to a National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he did not recall the accident. His only memory was taxiing the gyroplane in preparation for departure. A witness, who was about 1/2 mile away, observed the gyroplane through binoculars. He watched the gyroplane taxi down the runway and observed the main rotor come up to speed. The pilot performed what he thought was a normal takeoff roll, but then the gyroplane popped up into the air quicker than normal. In reaction, the pilot appeared to overcorrect, overrotating the gyroplane forward, and impacting the runway. An FAA inspector examined the gyroplane after the accident and did not find any evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies or failures.

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C

Full Narrative

On April 11, 2008, about 1330 Pacific daylight time, an unregistered Snobird Charger gyroplane, impacted the runway immediately after takeoff at Ed Carlson Memorial Field, Toledo, Washington. The non-certificated pilot operated the gyroplane under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot was seriously injured, and the single seat gyroplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported to a National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he did not recall the accident. His only memory was taxing the gyroplane in preparation for departure. A witness, who was about 1/2 mile away, observed the gyroplane through binoculars. He watched the gyroplane taxi down the runway and observed the main rotor come up to speed. The gyroplane performed what he thought was a normal takeoff roll, but then the gyroplane popped up into the air quicker than normal. In reaction the pilot appeared to overcorrect, overrotating the gyroplane forward, and impacting the runway. The witness had about 100 hours of experience in ultralight airplanes and was building his own gyroplane. An FAA inspector examined the gyroplane after the accident and did not find any evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies or failures.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PDT
Nearest AirportEd Carlson Memorial Field (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length4480 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftSnobird Charger
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid Hill
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHirth · 2706 · Reciprocating
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 37 C
Altimeter30.44 inHg
Observation Time12:10
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data