Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the gyroplane during landing.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot was preparing to land his gyroplane when he encountered a downdraft, which increased his rate of descent. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent rate and landed hard. As a result the left main gear axle broke, causing the lower rudder strut to contact the ground. The strut bent upwards into the propeller, splintering the propeller and causing substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported that the downdraft was caused by an 80-degree crosswind that blew over houses just to the northeast of the runway threshold. The pilot did not report any mechanical deficiencies with the gyroplane prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA528 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 15, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brighton, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Brighton (C)12)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
DOMINATOR GYROCOPTER
- N-number
- N36MR
- 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.