Amateur-built GT-VX2 N557LJ accident near Saint Peter, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during low-level maneuvering through a river valley.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a personal flight as part of a flight of two gyroplanes. Bothpilots were flying their gyroplanes at low level through a river valley when the accident occurred. As they approached a bridge, the second pilot climbed his gyroplane; however, the accident pilot remained at a lower altitude after passing over the bridge and subsequently impacted power lines. The second pilot noticed “flashing” below him and observed the accident gyroplane splash into the river. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot was fatally injured.

A witness on the ground observed the gyroplane fly directly into the power lines. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA006 for the full record.