Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper airspeed during the approach, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was working toward his gyroplane rating and had received a solo endorsement. He reported that, during approach, he turned from base to final and that the airspeed then decreased. He added that the gyroplane "abruptly settled" and then landed hard on the dirt surface. The rotor blades struck the ground, and the gyroplane came to rest upright. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and the rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot in the gyroplane was working toward his gyroplane rating and had received a solo endorsement. He reported that during approach, he turned from base to final, and the airspeed decreased. The gyroplane "abruptly settled," and landed hard on the dirt surface. The rotor blades struck the ground and the gyroplane came to rest upright. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and the rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.