Amateur-built 1 N559RD accident near Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning, which led to the power required exceeding the power available and resulted in a loss of lift and subsequent hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb after takeoff, the gyroplane reached about 75 to 100 feet above ground level when it started to settle. He reported that the gyroplane was not creating enough lift to clear the trees located near the west end of the runway and that he did not have enough airspeed or altitude to turn around. The gyroplane continued to lose altitude and the pilot performed a forced landing to an area that was clear of people and cars. The gyroplane landed hard and subsequently rolled onto its right side. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA506 for the full record.