Amateur-built SPORT COPTER VORTEX N179V accident near Lake Wales, Florida

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to a lean fuel/air mixture as a result of a disconnected fuel primer line.

NTSB analysis

During the initial climb, the sport pilot of the gyroplane noticed that the engine began to lose power, and he attempted to return to the airport. The engine continued to lose power and the pilot made a forced landing in a field. During the landing sequence, the gyroplane rolled over and sustained damage to the airframe. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel primer line was brittle and disconnected. The pilot stated that all of the fuel lines had been recently replaced, with the exception of the primer line. It is likely that the disconnected fuel primer line caused an excessively lean air/fuel mixture ratio, which resulted in the loss of engine power during the climb.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA373 for the full record.