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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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July 6, 2011 · Van Kalker John E RAF 2000 GTX SE · N25VK

Decker, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Decker, IN
Aircraft
Van Kalker John E RAF 2000 GTX SE
Tail Number
N25VK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA454

According to the certified flight instructor, during the training flight he retarded engine power while the airplane was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, in order to simulate an engine failure. During the flare for the simulated forced landing, the main rotor blade of the gyroplane struck the ground, and it rolled over on its left side. The pilot reported there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the gyroplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Incorrect use/operation - C

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that during the training flight, he retarded engine power during the downwind leg of the traffic pattern in order to simulate an engine failure. During the flare for the simulated forced landing the main rotor blade of the gyroplane struck the ground directly behind the aircraft which resulted in the gyroplane rolling over on its left side. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the gyroplane prior to the accident. The aircraft received substantial damage which included a bent keel, a bent/broken rotor mast, a damaged main rotor blade, empennage damage, a cracked cabin, and a broken propeller.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 CDT
Nearest AirportSnider Field Airport (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVan Kalker John E RAF 2000 GTX SE
Tail NumberN25VK
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · ALL MDLS A/B · Reciprocating · 400
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 62 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:00
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data