HUNTHROP AUTOGYRO MTO SPORT
Bourland, TX — October 20, 2012
Event Information
| Date | October 20, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Bourland, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.58194, -97.59084 |
| Airport | Bourland Field |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
| NTSB Number | CEN13CA017 |
| Event ID | 20121022X03426 |
Aircraft
| Make | HUNTHROP |
| Model | AUTOGYRO MTO SPORT |
| Registration # | N589DH |
| Operator | HUNTHROP WILLIAM D |
| Owner | HUNTHROP WILLIAM D |
| Category | GYRO |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to fly the gyroplane in gusty wind conditions that exceeded his limitations and his resultant loss of control during takeoff.
Full Narrative
While performing touch-and-go training, the gyrocraft impacted terrain during a takeoff from the runway. The gyroplane's fuselage was substantially damaged. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the solo private pilot sustained a broken arm and a concussion; the pilot could not recall the accident sequence. In addition, the pilot was training to obtain a gyrocraft endorsement and had been signed off by his flight instructor to operate solo in winds up to 9 knots. Winds at the time of the accident were 20 degrees from runway heading at 19 knots gusting to 27 knots. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accumulated about 271 hours total time with 10 hours dual and 1.5 hours solo in make and model. A visual examination of the gyrocraft did not reveal any preimpact anomalies.
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.