Amateur-built 10 N510EA accident near Boulder, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after an uneventful landing he applied full power to initiate a touch-and-go on runway 26. During the takeoff portion of the maneuver, the gyroplane began to drift to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the drift; however, each time the nosewheel lifted off the runway, the gyroplane continued to drift to the left. As the gyroplane continued to drift towards the runway edge, the pilot attempted to rotate the gyroplane to take off. The gyroplane tipped to the left and impacted the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the mast and empennage. Wind at the time of the accident was 280° at 10 knots gusting to 19 knots.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA152 for the full record.