Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to control the pitch attitude of the gyroplane during landing, which resulted in a loss of control, runway excursion and collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the gyroplane reported that, during a touch-and-go landing to the runway, the gyroplane floated, and the front wheel contacted the runway. He attempted to regain control, but the gyroplane veered off the runway and came to rest on its side. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and rotor system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.