Amateur-built RAF 2000 N47EB accident near Omaha, Nebraska

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings in the gyroplane when the airplane encountered windshear just above the runway during landing. The gyroplane veered right, touched down in the grass, became airborne, then impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage. Another pilot reported that he also experienced windshear during the landing approach and saw that the pilot of the accident aircraft "appeared to be struggling to maintain control."

The accident pilot reported that he had not flown the aircraft "in a while" and that the gusting wind conditions were the primary factor that resulted in his loss of control. Recorded wind conditions about the time of the accident included wind at 13 knots with gusts to 17 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20TA030 for the full record.