Probable cause
The inflight loss of the engine’s air filter which collided with the propeller which resulted in a vibration.
NTSB analysis
While on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern, the pilot heard a noise from the engine or the rotor and felt the gyroplane momentarily “shudder.” The pilot performed a precautionary landing and the gyroplane touched down hard, bounced, and rolled on its right side. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and fuselage.
A postaccident examination of the gyroplane revealed that the air filter, which is mounted to the engine, was not located at the accident site. It is likely that the air filter separated from the gyroplane which resulted in the shudder felt by the pilot. An examination of the gyroplane and engine revealed no other anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA296 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mineral Point, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Washington County (8WC)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built M24
- N-number
- N123PS
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2018
- 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.