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NTSB Report
September 12, 2010 · Lewis Brandon Scott Exterminator · N815SL
Rockford, IL
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 12, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Rockford, IL
Aircraft
Lewis Brandon Scott Exterminator
Tail Number
N815SL
Operator
Donald W Allen
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10CA537
The pilot of the gyrocopter was practicing takeoffs and landings when the accident occurred. He stated that he made 12 takeoffs, lifting off to a height 5 to 10 feet above the runway then touching back down prior to the accident flight. The pilot stated that on the last takeoff, the gyrocopter turned sideways and the momentum of the rotor blades resulted in the gyrocopter rolling onto its side. This resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and left horizontal stabilizer when they contacted the ground. The pilot reported there were no mechanical problems with the gyrocopter.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the gyrocopter while practicing takeoffs and landings.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the gyrocopter was practicing takeoffs and landings when the accident occurred. He stated that he made 12 takeoffs, lifting off to a height 5 to 10 feet above the runway then touching back down prior to the accident flight. The pilot stated that on the last takeoff, the gyrocopter turned sideways and the momentum of the rotor blades resulted in the gyrocopter rolling onto its side. This resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and left horizontal stabilizer when they contacted the ground. The pilot reported there were no mechanical problems with the gyrocopter.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest AirportCottonwood Airport (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width260 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLewis Brandon Scott Exterminator
Tail NumberN815SL
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDonald W Allen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912S · Reciprocating · 100
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 71 · None · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC