Autogyro Calidus
Stevensville, MD — May 4, 2017
Event Information
| Date | May 4, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA258 |
| Event ID | 20170504X72527 |
| Location | Stevensville, MD |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 38.97667, -76.33139 |
| Airport | Bay Bridge Airport |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | Autogyro |
| Model | Calidus |
| Category | GYRO |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper takeoff procedure, which resulted in a loss of directional control during the takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that during the takeoff roll, the rotor RPM was not increasing. He continued the takeoff and kept the gyrocopter on the ground to gain airspeed by not moving the stick in the full aft position. He added that this was an "old existing airplane habit". Subsequently, during the takeoff the gyrocopter developed a "rotor flap" and he lost directional control. The gyrocopter came to rest on its side to the left of the runway.
The pilot added that not having the stick full aft prevented the rotor RPM from increasing, and the appropriate corrective action would have been to apply full aft stick.
The gyrocopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rotors.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyrocopter that would have precluded normal operation.
The Gyrocopter's Flight Manual states that during the takeoff roll, the pilot must "bring the control stick fully aft".
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.