Suddenly The Nose Pitched Up, Then Pitched Down As The Gyroplane Rapidly Descended

Location: Anahuac, TX Accident Number: CEN21LA363
Date & Time: August 7, 2021, 11:15 Local Registration: UNREG
Aircraft: Rotary RAF2000 Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Flight test

On August 7, 2021, about 1115 central daylight time, an unregistered Rotary Air Force RAF 2000 gyroplane, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Anahuac, Texas. The pilot was uninjured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 test flight.

The pilot stated that he was completing a test flight after a new trim system was installed. After departure, about 50 ft above ground level, he actuated the trim switch and did not notice an immediate response. Suddenly the nose pitched up, then pitched down as the gyroplane rapidly descended toward the ground. The tailwheel and rotor blades struck the ground and the gyroplane rolled onto its right side. The pilot stated that a trim limit switch had not been installed.

The fuselage, empennage, and rotor blades sustained substantial damage.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov