Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's poor inflight planning in that he turned into a tailwind which resulted in diminished airspeed. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind, low altitude maneuvering, the snow covered terrain, and the pilot's inability to successfully perform remedial action.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The gyrocopter nosed over after impacting the terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering. The pilot reported he was practicing low level maneuvers at an altitude of about 200 feet above the frozen lake. He reported he made a left turn to the east and in doing so, he encountered a tailwind. He reported the gyrocopter began settling rapidly and he attempted to lower the nose to gain airspeed. He reported the main gear contacted the 8 inches of snow which covered the frozen lake and the gyrocopter nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 20, 2000, at 1500 central standard time, a Kretsinger Bensen B8M gyrocopter, N2436, collided with the terrain and nosed over following a loss of control while maneuvering over Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, Minnesota. The pilot received minor injuries and the gyrocopter was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. There was no flight plan filed. The flight originated from Medicine Lake, Minnesota, at 1400 cst. The pilot reported he was practicing low level maneuvers at an altitude of about 200 feet above the frozen lake. He reported he made a left turn to the east and in doing so, he encountered a tailwind. He reported the gyrocopter began settling rapidly and he attempted to lower the nose to gain airspeed. He reported the main gear contacted the 8 inches of snow which covered the frozen lake and the gyrocopter nosed over.