Witness Reported Observing The Accident Gyroplane Fly Directly Into Powerlines, Flip Upside Down, And Fall Inverted Into The River

Location: Saint Peter, MN Accident Number: CEN24LA006
Date & Time: October 8, 2023, 16:40 Local Registration: N557LJ
Aircraft: Gyro Technic GT-VX2 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 8, 2023, about 1640 central daylight time, an experimental Gyro Technic GT-VX2 gyroplane, N557LJ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Saint Peter, Minnesota. The pilot was fatally injured. The gyroplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot departed from Mankato Regional Airport (MKT), Mankato, Minnesota, about 1400 as a flight of two gyroplanes. After the departure from MKT, the two gyroplanes continued to Le Sueur Municipal Airport (12Y), Le Sueur, Minnesota, and completed multiple landings in the traffic pattern. The second pilot reported that after leaving 12Y, the two gyroplanes followed a river valley at low level. As the flight of two approached a bridge, the second pilot climbed his gyroplane, and the accident pilot remained at a lower altitude after passing over the bridge.

The second pilot noticed “flashing” below him and observed the accident gyroplane splash into the river.

A witness reported observing the accident gyroplane fly directly into powerlines, flip upside down, and fall inverted into the river. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov