Alex Michael Bantum/Tercel Usa TERCEL-GYROPLANE N528WM

Summary

On 17 September 2016 at about 15:45 local time, a Alex Michael Bantum/Tercel Usa TERCEL-GYROPLANE registered N528WM, operated by Tinz Gyro LLC, was involved in an accident near Blairstown, New Jersey, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 September 2016 at 15:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Blairstown, New Jersey, United States

Nearest airport

Blairstown (1N7)

Coordinates

40.9711, -74.9975

Aircraft

Alex Michael Bantum/Tercel Usa TERCEL-GYROPLANE

Registration

N528WM

Category

Gyrocraft

Year built

2014

Engines

1

Operator

Tinz Gyro LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Blairstown → Blairstown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA16CA499

Nobody was injured.

The student pilot’s incorrect takeoff procedure, which resulted in a loss of main rotor rpm and the subsequent loss of directional control and runway excursion.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the solo student pilot, the experimental, amateur-built gyrocopter was positioned for takeoff on the runway and stopped with the brakes set. He recalled that he engaged the prerotor, increased the main rotor speed to 180 rpm, then disengaged the prerotor, released the brake, and applied full throttle. He reported that, "this is where I made my mistake. At this point I should have brought the control stick all the way back, but did not." He recalled that the gyrocopter was moving forward rapidly but that the rotor rpm decreased and that he then pulled the control stick aft. He reported that the rotor blades were flapping, the control stick became uncontrollable, and the gyrocopter exited the runway to the left. The student pilot reduced the throttle to idle, and during the runway excursion, the left main and the nose landing gear separated from the gyrocopter. The main rotor blade struck the ground, the blade grip sustained substantial damage, and the rotor head partially separated from the frame. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airframe or the engine that would have prevented normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.