Rogers RAF 2000 N78ME

Summary

On 12 December 1999 at about 16:30 local time, a Rogers RAF 2000 registered N78ME was involved in an accident near Franklin, New York, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 December 1999 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Franklin, New York, United States

Coordinates

42.3409, -75.1602

Aircraft

Rogers RAF 2000

Registration

N78ME

Category

Unknown

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Norwich

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

IAD00LA013

1 person was seriously injured.

was the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff due to inadequate rotor rpm.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the homebuilt gyrocopter stated the purpose of the flight was to do a reconnaissance of the grass strip, land, and perform a takeoff. He said that prior to departing for the strip, he advised a friend of his intentions, and asked the friend to come look for him if he did not return by a specified time. After walking and then taxiing the length of the field, the pilot attempted the takeoff. At the end of the takeoff roll, the gyrocopter indicated inadequate rotor rpm for takeoff, but the pilot elected to continue. The gyrocopter collided with a stonewall and tree stumps at the departure end of the field. The pilot said, 'I hate to use the phrase, but it was pilot error.'

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.