Amateur-built MTO Sport N455WM accident near Whitewater, Kansas

Probable cause

A loss of control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the gyroplane was conducting a personal flight with one passenger. A witness about 6 miles from the accident site saw the gyroplane flying about 300 ft above ground level and stated that the engine sounded normal. Shortly thereafter, a local landowner observed smoke originating from a field and notified local authorities. There were no witnesses to the accident. The gyroplane was found nose-down in a field with the forward fuselage buried about 2 feet below the field’s surface, and the airframe was mostly consumed by a postcrash fire.

A postaccident examination of the gyroplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; however, the examination was limited due to extensive thermal damage to the airframe and engine.

While diminished reaction times and flying performance could occur from the pilot’s use of the sedating medication, diphenhydramine (as indicated by toxicology results), there was no blood concentration available. Therefore, whether the pilot was impaired by diphenhydramine at the time of the accident could not be determined.

The gyroplane’s high-energy impact with the field is consistent with a loss of control; however, the reason for the loss of control could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA004 for the full record.