CSP LEASING LLC CAVALON
Santa Maria, CA — March 10, 2017
Event Information
| Date | March 10, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA184 |
| Event ID | 20170313X72934 |
| Location | Santa Maria, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.89500, -120.44861 |
| Airport | SANTA MARIA PUB/CAPT G ALLAN H |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CSP LEASING LLC |
| Model | CAVALON |
| Category | GYRO |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing in crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The student pilot reported that during a stop-and-go landing in crosswind conditions, the gyroplane bounced about 4 ft. He added that the wind lifted the gyroplane and he did not have "the speed or rudder control to counteract" the drift. The gyroplane impacted the ground on its right side.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that about 39 minutes before the accident the wind was 300° at 8 knots. The gyroplane landed on runway 30.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.