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NTSB Report
July 21, 2012 · Bertram William J Bertram 2000 · N115WB
Shiocton, WI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Shiocton, WI
Aircraft
Bertram William J Bertram 2000
Tail Number
N115WB
Operator
William J Bertram
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA464
The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that he was taking aerial photos of the airport. He stated he was flying toward the airport and trying to take photos when he realized he was getting too close to the airport. He initiated a turn downwind away from the airport at which time the gyrocopter lost altitude. The lower right side of the fuselage and the right landing gear strut contacted a guy wire attached to a utility pole alongside the highway that bordered the south side of the airport. The gyrocopter then descended, impacted terrain, and came to rest in a ditch alongside the highway, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical tail surfaces and the main rotor blades. The pilot stated that he was distracted by trying to use the camera and that he was not paying attention to the surroundings when the accident occurred.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s distraction with taking photographs, which resulted in his failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid the guy wire.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported he was taking aerial photos of the airport where he is based out of, as they were hosting a fly-in. He stated he was flying toward the airport and trying to take photos when he realized he was getting too close to the airport. He initiated a turn downwind away from the airport, at which time the gyrocopter lost altitude. The lower right side of the fuselage and the right landing gear strut contacted a guy wire attached to a utility pole alongside the highway which bordered the south side of the airport. The gyrocopter then descended to the terrain and came to rest in a ditch alongside the highway substantially damaging the vertical tail surfaces, and the main rotor blades. The pilot stated that he was distracted by trying to use the camera and that he was not paying attention to the surroundings when the accident occurred.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 CDT
Nearest AirportSHIOCTON (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBertram William J Bertram 2000
Tail NumberN115WB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam J Bertram
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · J 2.5 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Sprt · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time19:45
Weather SourceWFAC