Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane during a touch-and-go landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he finished training and received a logbook endorsement to fly the gyroplane five days before the accident. The purpose of the accident flight was to practice touch-and-go landings. The first two were uneventful, but during the third touch-and-go, he applied power to take off again and the gyroplane rolled to the left. The pilot overcorrected and rolled the gyroplane right, resulting in the main rotor blades contacting the ground. The gyroplane slid on the runway to a stop on its right side resulting in substantial damage to main rotor blades and tail section. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.