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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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NTSB Report

June 28, 2012 · Michael A Howard Dominator · N447PM

Omaha, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Omaha, NE
Aircraft
Michael A Howard Dominator
Tail Number
N447PM
Operator
Howard Michael A
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA416

The pilot, who was also the builder, was conducting flight testing on the newly built gyrocopter. He reported that he spun the rotor up to about 110 rpm and was attempting to accelerate the rotor to flight rpm by moving down the runway. The pilot added that he was going about 25 mph when the nosewheel hit a bump in the runway and started to shimmy. He immediately reduced the throttle to slow down; however, the nosewheel strut failed, and the gyrocopter turned left, rolled over, and came to rest on its right side. During the rollover, the rotor blades and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

A nosewheel shimmy on takeoff, which resulted in the failure of the nosewheel landing gear and a loss of control.

Full Narrative

The pilot, who was also the builder, was conducting testing on the newly built gyrocopter. He reported that he spun the rotor up to approximately 110 rpm and was attempting to accelerate the rotor to flight rpm, by going down the runway. The pilot added that he was going about 25 mph when the nosewheel hit a bump in the runway and started to shimmy. He immediately reduced the throttle to slow down; however, the nosewheel strut failed, the craft turned left, and came to rest on its right side. During the rollover, the rotor and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 CDT
Nearest AirportMillard Airport (0nm)
Runway12
Runway Length3801 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMichael A Howard Dominator
Tail NumberN447PM
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHoward Michael A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · UL582 · Reciprocating
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2300 ft
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time17:15
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data