Amateur-built RAF 2000 N9012R accident near Anahuac, Texas

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper nosewheel and cyclic positioning during the taxi, which resulted in the gyroplane's main rotor contacting the runway surface. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot and flight instructor were practicing takeoffs, flight maneuvers, and landings in the student pilot's gyroplane. After landing on the runway with a right crosswind, the student pilot attempted to taxi the gyroplane back to the hangar. During the taxi forward, the gyroplane began to roll to the right and the rotor blades contacted the runway. The student pilot stated that the nosewheel and cyclic positions at the time of the forward taxi were likely the reasons for the roll to the right; this statement was consistent with the student pilot not repositioning the nosewheel and cyclic after the landing to a safe taxi position. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The student pilot and flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA226 for the full record.