Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to establish a proper airspeed before becoming airborne, which resulted in an inability to climb out of ground effect and subsequent hard landing. Contributing to the accident was high-density altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during takeoff, the gyroplane became airborne after reaching 55 kts and was unable to climb out of ground effect. The pilot reported that he attempted a 180° turn to conduct a forced landing on the runway; however, the gyroplane descended rapidly during the turn and landed hard on the turf in the runway safety area. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rotor and airframe. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated further that he should have delayed rotation until 60 to 65 kts to achieve the proper climb. Density altitude at the time of the accident was about 9,350 ft, which would have further decreased climb performance.