Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flair, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was practicing taxiing the homebuilt gyrocopter and unintentionally took-off but decided to stay in flight. When the pilot was preparing to land he descended the gyrocopter steeply towards runway 35. The pilot pulled back on the "stick" to flare out, and stated that the gyrocopter did not respond. The aircraft nosed into the ground. Examination of the accident site revealed the gyrocopter laying on its left side. The main rotor mast was separated from its base, the forward and left main landing gear collapsed and the cockpit roof was detached. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the gyrocopter prior to flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was practicing taxiing the homebuilt gyrocopter and unintentionally took-off but decided to stay in flight. When the pilot was preparing to land he descended the gyrocopter steeply towards runway 35. The pilot pulled back on the "stick" to flare out, and stated that the gyrocopter did not respond. The aircraft nosed into the ground. Examination of the accident site revealed the gyrocopter laying on its left side. The main rotor mast was separated from its base, the forward and left main landing gear collapsed and the cockpit roof was detached. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the gyrocopter prior to flight.