Wohaska John PARSONS STILES GYRO N7064U

Summary

On 20 October 2013 at about 18:10 local time, a Wohaska John PARSONS STILES GYRO registered N7064U, operated by Wohaska John S, was involved in an accident near Festus, Missouri, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 October 2013 at 18:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Festus, Missouri, United States

Nearest airport

Festus Memorial (FES)

Coordinates

38.1914, -90.3858

Aircraft

Wohaska John PARSONS STILES GYRO

Registration

N7064U

Category

Gyrocraft

Year built

2005

Engines

1

Operator

Wohaska John S

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Festus → Columbia

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN14CA039

2 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's improper propeller adjustment, which resulted in decreased performance and a loss of aircraft control.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The sport pilot reported that days prior to the accident flight, he adjusted the propeller and re-installed it without testing its performance. On the accident flight, he departed the runway and remained in ground effect until he reached 50 mph, then began a climb. As he flew the gyroplane to the south, the surrounding terrain elevation decreased and the pilot thought he was climbing. The engine was operating about 6,300 rpm and the airspeed was 40 mph; the engine develops maximum horsepower at 6,750 rpm and the best climb speed is 45 mph. The pilot initiated a left turn to land in a field or back at the airport, but the wind pushed the gyroplane and the pilot lost control. The gyroplane impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage to the tube frame, vertical tail, and rotor blades. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. He reported that the propeller was not adjusted properly in order to provide maximum engine rpm and subsequently maximum climb performance. Due to the slow airspeed, it is likely that the gyroplane experienced an aerodynamic stall.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.