Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during the landing flare.
NTSB analysis
While landing the gyroplane, the pilot stated that his "initial" flare at an altitude of 15 to 20 feet above the runway was normal. At 5 feet above the runway, the gyroplane ballooned and the pilot added power to recover. The gyroplane then yawed to the right. The pilot applied left rudder, but touchdown occurred prior to the gyroplane being aligned with the runway. The gyroplane's nose spun to the left when the main wheels touched down and the gyroplane rolled onto its right side.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA539 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lakeville, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Airlake (LVN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RAF 2000 C
- N-number
- N2107
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.