RUIZ E RAF 2000
Anahuac, TX — March 31, 2012
Event Information
| Date | March 31, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Anahuac, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 29.77167, -94.66333 |
| Airport | Chambers County Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA226 |
| Event ID | 20120404X52616 |
Aircraft
| Make | RUIZ E |
| Model | RAF 2000 |
| Registration # | N9012R |
| Operator | ON FILE |
| Owner | ON FILE |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot's improper nosewheel and cyclic positioning during the taxi, which resulted in the gyroplane's main rotor contacting the runway surface. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.
Full Narrative
The student pilot and flight instructor were practicing some takeoffs, flight maneuvers, and landings in the student pilot's gyroplane. After landing on the runway with a right crosswind, the student pilot attempted to taxi the gyroplane back to the hangar. During the taxi forward, the gyroplane began to roll to the right and the rotor blades contacted the runway. The student pilot felt the nose wheel and cyclic positions at the time of the forward taxi were the reasons for the roll to the right. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The student pilot and flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.
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.