HUNT SPARROWHAWK
Blair, NE — October 15, 2011
Event Information
| Date | October 15, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA029 |
| Event ID | 20111019X01446 |
| Location | Blair, NE |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.40889, -96.10528 |
| Airport | Blair Municipal |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | HUNT |
| Model | SPARROWHAWK |
| 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/builder’s inadequate installation of a nosewheel steering component, which resulted in a shimmy and a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.
Full Narrative
The pilot/builder was planning a short flight above the runway for the purpose of testing the newly built gyrocopter. During the takeoff roll, the nose wheel experienced a shimmy and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The gyrocopter rolled onto its left side and exited the side of the runway before coming to rest in the grass. During the rollover, the main rotor mast was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the gyrocopter revealed a loose bolt in the nose gear steering linkage which allowed the nose wheel to shimmy.
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.