Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines.
NTSB analysis
Witnesses reported seeing the gyrocopter depart from a private airstrip. Shortly after the gyrocopter was airborne, it struck a telephone line, descended and impacted the road. A postimpact fire ensued and the gyrocopter sustained substantial damage during the impact with the road and the postimpact fire. A postaccident examination of the gyrocopter, engine, and its systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA316 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 3, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Blue Springs, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Dominator
- N-number
- N103EB
- 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.