Pilot Noted That The Gyroplane Was Unable To Maintain Sufficient Airspeed And Altitude

Location: Tavernier, FL Accident Number: ERA24LA153
Date & Time: March 24, 2024, 14:10 Local Registration: N291AG
Aircraft: Denzil Velarde MTO Sport Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 24, 2024, about 1410 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built MTO Sport, N291AG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Tavernier, Florida. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The gyroplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot stated that he performed an engine run-up with no anomalies noted. About six minutes after engine start up, shortly after takeoff, the pilot noted that the gyroplane was unable to maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude. With little runway remaining, the pilot turned the gyroplane left to “land like a helicopter” on a side road; however, the wind blew the gyroplane backward and the tail section impacted a concrete fence. The gyroplane flipped onto its side and sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot initially reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that there were “no issues with the engine power; he just did not have enough airspeed at liftoff and the wind might have shifted to a tail wind.” 

Subsequently, the pilot stated that he believed that engine stopped producing power shortly after takeoff.

The gyroplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov