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January 29, 2018 · Wayne Miller Sport Copter II NO Series · N767LW

Van Nuys, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 29, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Wayne Miller Sport Copter II NO Series (2017)
Tail Number
N767LW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA114

According to the pilot of the experimental amateur-built gyroplane, during the takeoff roll on runway 34 in gusting wind conditions, the pilot did not allow the rotor rpm to adequately increase. He advanced the throttle and the nose pitched up. The gyroplane exited the left side of the runway and the rotor blades struck the propeller. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The METAR at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 350° at 17kts gusting to 22kts. The pilot reported that this accident could have been prevented if he had confirmed the proper rotor rpm. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Prop/rotor parameters-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-built gyroplane, during the takeoff roll on runway 34 in gusting wind conditions, the pilot did not allow the rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) to adequately increase. He advanced the throttle and the nose pitched up. The gyroplane exited the left side of the runway and the rotor blades struck the propeller. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The METAR at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 350° at 17kts gusting to 22kts. Per the National Transportation Safety Board's Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported in the Safety Recommendation section that, this accident could have been prevented if he had confirmed the proper rotor RPM. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PST
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (0nm SSW)
Runway34R
Runway Length4013 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWayne Miller Sport Copter II NO Series
Tail NumberN767LW
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLy-Con · IO- 360-SCI · Reciprocating · 220
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 17 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time18:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data