Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that he flared the gyroplane too high and landed hard and that the gyroplane subsequently tipped over on its right side. He added that he evacuated the gyroplane before a postimpact fire ensued and destroyed the gyroplane. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot reported that he flared too high, landed hard, and the gyroplane tipped over on its right side. He added that he evacuated the gyroplane before a post-impact fire ensued and destroyed the gyroplane. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.