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May 9, 2009 · Atkins John RAF 2000 G · N1435X

South Prairie, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 9, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
South Prairie, WA
Aircraft
Atkins John RAF 2000 G
Tail Number
N1435X
Operator
Rogers Randall H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA232

The pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb from the uncontrolled airport, at 50 feet above ground level, he heard the sound of an airplane coming towards him from the left and saw a shadow of the airplane on the ground merging with his, and initiated an abrupt turn of 90 degrees to the right to avoid a collision. Upon completion of the turn, the pilot noticed that he had lost a significant amount of airspeed and was heading toward a residential structure. The pilot initiated a second turn to the right to miss the house and attempted to regain airspeed. Subsequently, the gyroplane impacted terrain adjacent to the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the flight control system or engine prior to the accident. A witness located adjacent to the accident site reported that another aircraft was apparently making a high-speed pass over the runway and overflew the gyroplane as it was taking off.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's abrupt maneuver to avoid a collision that resulted in an airspeed reduction and subsequent loss of lift provided by the rotor system. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both pilots to maintain an adequate visual lookout for other aircraft in the traffic pattern.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb from the uncontrolled airport, at 50 feet above ground level (agl), he heard the sound of an airplane coming towards him from the left and saw a shadow of the airplane on the ground merging with his, and initiated an abrupt turn of 90 degrees to the right to avoid a collision. Upon completion of the turn, the pilot noticed he had lost a significant amount of airspeed and was heading towards a residential structure. The pilot initiated a second turn to the right to miss the house and attempt to regain airspeed. Subsequently, the gyroplane impacted terrain adjacent to the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the flight control system or engine prior to the accident. A witness located adjacent to the accident site reported that another aircraft was apparently making a high speed pass over the runway and overflew the gyroplane as it was taking off.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 PDT
Nearest AirportCawley South Prairie (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAtkins John RAF 2000 G
Tail NumberN1435X
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRogers Randall H
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAma/Expr · UNKNOWN ENG · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 46
Altimeter0
Observation Time04:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data