Gyroplane Rolled Onto Its Right Side And Off The Runway, Which Substantially Damaged The Rotor Mast

Location: Gardiner, Montana Accident Number: WPR23LA269
Date & Time: June 1, 2023, 10:21 Local Registration: N207AG
Aircraft: CSP Leasing LLC MTO Sport Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power) Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot landed on the runway with about 10 mph forward speed. After touchdown, the gyroplane veered to the right despite the pilot’s full use of opposite rudder and nosewheel steering. The gyroplane rolled onto its right side and off the runway, which substantially damaged the rotor mast. Postaccident examination of the rudder/nosewheel steering system revealed that the mechanical stop was bent. There was overstress damage to three of the four control rods which likely occurred when the nosewheel turned beyond its limit during the accident landing.

The manufacturer’s construction of the rudder/nosewheel steering assembly met British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR) Section T, “Light Gyroplanes” standards. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport’s website described the runway as being in poor condition, with cracks and vegetation growth throughout. However, the pilot was aware of the conditions and had made two successful landings before the accident landing. Wind conditions were reported as variable at 5 knots and likely did not influence the landing.

Although the steering system’s mechanical stop may have become bent during either the accident landing or a previous landing, the investigation was not able to determine the source of the bent stop.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- Failure of the rudder/nosewheel steering system for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in loss of yaw control and a subsequent rollover.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov