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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 26, 2011 · Chapel Robert B Aerial · N435AB

Simsbury, CT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 26, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Simsbury, CT
Aircraft
Chapel Robert B Aerial
Tail Number
N435AB
Operator
Chapel Robert B
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA124

During run-up, high-speed taxi, and pre-spin of the rotor, the pilot/owner noted no anomalies with the recently certificated experimental amateur-built gyroplane. Although the pilot/owner was not rated in rotorcraft, he had a student endorsement that limited his flights to in-ground-effect only and with no more than 10 knots of wind. The pilot chose to perform a normal takeoff with a 14-knot tailwind that gusted to 24 knots. At 200 feet above the runway, the pilot determined that the rotor rpm was decaying and that the gyroplane would not climb due to the tailwind. He performed a forced landing off the departure end of the runway, and the gyroplane came to rest on its side, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot/owner reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the gyroplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to operate the gyroplane outside his endorsement limitations and to depart with a tailwind, which resulted in a forced landing to unsuitable terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot/owner was practicing takeoffs and landings in the recently certificated experimental amateur-built gyrocopter at the time of the accident. During run-up, high-speed taxi, and pre-spin of the rotor, the pilot noted no anomalies. While the pilot/owner was not rated in rotorcraft, he did have a student endorsement that limited his flights to in-ground-effect only, and no more than 10 knots of wind. The pilot chose to perform a normal takeoff with a 14-knot tailwind that gusted to 24 knots. At 200 feet above the runway, the pilot determined that the rotor rpm was decaying and the gyrocopter would not climb due to the tailwind. He performed a forced landing off the departure end of the runway, and the gyrocopter came to rest on its side which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot/owner reported to the FAA that there were no mechanical deficiencies with his gyrocopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:05 EST
Nearest AirportSimsbury Airport (1nm)
Runway21
Runway Length2205 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChapel Robert B Aerial
Tail NumberN435AB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChapel Robert B
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · ALL MDLS A/B · Reciprocating
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 14 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 16 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time18:51

Appendix: Source Data