AUTOGYRO GMBH Cavalon
Nephi, UT — June 19, 2019
Event Information
| Date | June 19, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA359 |
| Event ID | 20190619X22528 |
| Location | Nephi, UT |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 39.74750, -111.87139 |
| Airport | NEPHI MUNI |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | AUTOGYRO GMBH |
| Model | Cavalon |
| 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 insufficient rudder input during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of yaw control and a hard landing.
Full Narrative
The gyroplane pilot reported that, during takeoff, he rotated around 55 knots and the gyroplane instantly yawed to the left about 45°. The pilot reported that he was "behind the power curve" and could not climb or gain airspeed. The gyroplane began to descend, the pilot turned left, and the gyroplane landed hard and rolled to the right side.
The pilot added that, during the initial climb yaw, he believed it was because of the "P-factor due to [a newly installed] more powerful engine" and that he failed to add right rudder input to correct. He added that it was his first test flight with the new engine.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
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.