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NTSB Report

April 13, 2018 · Hawley Richard A1B NO Series · N5249H

Lincoln, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 13, 2018
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Lincoln, CA
Aircraft
Hawley Richard A1B NO Series (1991)
Tail Number
N5249H
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA213

The pilot reported that this was his first flight in the accident gyroplane. He added that, during takeoff from runway 15, which was 6,001 ft long by 100 ft wide, he centered the gyroplane on the runway and increased engine rpm and rotor speed. Around 120 rotor rpm during the takeoff roll, he pulled back on the cyclic. Due to his injuries sustained in the accident, he does not recall what occurred afterward. The gyroplane came to rest on its right side on the right side of the runway and sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 260° at 7 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 15 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 330° at 5 knots. The gyrocopter was departing runway 15.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that this was his first flight in the accident gyroplane. He added that, during takeoff from runway 15, which was 6,001 ft long by 100 ft wide, he centered the gyroplane on the runway and increased engine rpm and rotor speed. Around 120 rotor rpm during the takeoff roll, he pulled back on the cyclic. He further added that, due to his injuries sustained in the accident, he does not recall what occurred afterwards. The gyroplane came to rest on its right side on the right side of the runway and sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 260° at 7 knots. The same automated station reported that, about 15 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 330° at 5 knots. The gyrocopter was departing runway 15.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 PDT
Nearest AirportLincoln Rgnl/Karl Harder Field (0nm NNW)
Runway15
Runway Length6001 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHawley Richard A1B NO Series
Tail NumberN5249H
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 532 · Reciprocating · 64
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Sprt · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 34 C
Altimeter30.26 inHg
Observation Time23:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data