Amateur-built RAF 2000 GT N315LK accident near Humboldt, Iowa

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of gyroplane control while maneuvering at low altitude.

NTSB analysis

The sport pilot and passenger were on a local flight in the gyroplane. The passenger reported that, after about 30 minutes of flight, the pilot made a low-altitude pass over the passenger's home. The gyroplane started to descend below the tallest trees on the property at a low-power setting, and as it approached the ground, the pilot rapidly increased engine power, likely to stop the descent. The gyroplane subsequently banked right and impacted a tree in the passenger's front yard. Postaccident examination of the gyroplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact failures, and no evidence was found indicating that the rotor blades struck the rudder or propeller blades.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA344 for the full record.