Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting wind conditions and his improper landing flare during an emergency landing after takeoff resulting in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, "on takeoff roll runway 22, approximately midfield, [the] aircraft encountered strong gusting right crosswind. Traveling about 60 knots, I applied full right rudder but was pushed off [the] left edge of the runway. After rotation at approximately 50 feet agl, wind gust from [the] right again pushed aircraft left, toward off-airport utility building. I applied left correction to avoid collision and attempted emergency landing in adjacent field. Aircraft landed hard and sustained damage." There were no mechanical problems discovered during the post-accident examination of the gyroplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 12, 2006, at 1300 eastern daylight time, a McCullough J-2 Gyroplane, N4362G, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the ground shortly after takeoff for runway 22 at the Goose Creek Airport, in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The gyroplane received substantial damage. The private pilot reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, "on takeoff roll runway 22, approximately midfield, [the] aircraft encountered strong gusting right crosswind. Traveling about 60 knots, I applied full right rudder but was pushed off [the] left edge of the runway. After rotation at approximately 50 feet agl, wind gust from [the] right again pushed aircraft left, toward off-airport utility building. I applied left correction to avoid collision and attempted emergency landing in adjacent field. Aircraft landed hard and sustained damage." Examination of the gyroplane by an FAA Inspector found the landing gear struts bent, damage to the nose cowling, broken windshield, broken rotor blades, broken tail boom, and a damaged propeller. There were no mechanical problems discovered during the post-accident examination of the gyroplane.