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June 11, 2022 · Whittridge Twinstarr NO Series · N298RW

Indian Trail, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 11, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Indian Trail, NC
Aircraft
Whittridge Twinstarr NO Series (2006)
Tail Number
N298RW
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA22LA313

The pilot was taking the gyroplane on a short test flight. After adding fuel, the pilot ran the engine multiple times on the ground and completed multiple taxi tests to check the brakes and steering mechanism. The pilot was satisfied that everything was functional and decided to attempt a flight in the airport traffic pattern. Shortly after takeoff the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but the gyroplane impacted powerlines and the ground, resulting in substantial damage. During a postaccident examination of the wreckage, the pilot found that there was a large piece of debris obstructing a majority of the fuel filter inlet. Another large piece of debris was observed in the fuel tank. All the debris found were consistent in color and texture with silicone sealant used on the fuel quantity sending unit. Based on this information, it is likely that the sealant debris found in the fuel filter inlet obstructed the flow of fuel to the engine and resulted in the total loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

A blockage of the fuel filter inlet by a piece of debris, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On June 11, 2022, at 1540 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Twinstarr gyroplane, N298RW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Indian Trail, North Carolina. The private pilot received minor injuries. The gyroplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the gyroplane belonged to a friend who had recently purchased it. As the gyroplane’s new owner did not have any experience in a gyroplane, the pilot was going to “check over the machine and possibly do a short test flight to insure everything was functional and safe,” before the owner began training in the gyroplane. The pilot reported running the engine multiple times on the ground and completing multiple taxi tests to check the brakes and steering mechanism. The pilot was satisfied that everything appeared functional, and the gyroplane was safe to attempt a flight. He planned to take off, climb to traffic pattern altitude, fly a traffic pattern, and land. The pilot reported (and a video of the takeoff taken by a witness confirmed) that shortly after takeoff the engine sustained a total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport but was unsuccessful. The gyroplane struck powerlines and subsequently impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail section, and main rotor. The pilot reported that before the flight he had added 5 gallons of fuel for a total amount of fuel onboard of 10 gallons. He reported that the fuel pump was “running,” and the magnetos were in the on position when the loss of power occurred. Three days after the accident the pilot returned to the wreckage to check the fuel system and found a large piece of debris blocking a majority of the fuel filter inlet (see figure). Another larger piece of debris that was similar in color and texture was found in the fuel tank underneath the fuel quantity sending unit. Photographs showed that the large piece of debris in the fuel tank and the piece of debris found in the fuel filter inlet appeared consistent with silicone sealant residue found on the fuel quantity sending unit. Figure. Photograph from the pilot of foreign debris blocking a majority of the fuel filter inlet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 EDT
Nearest AirportGoose Creek (0.4nm WSW)
Runway22
Runway Length2350 ft
Runway Width35 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWhittridge Twinstarr NO Series
Tail NumberN298RW
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · First Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time15:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data