Amateur-built AUTOGYRO CALIDUS N221YT accident near Beaufort, South Carolina

Probable cause

The gyroplane pilot's failure to maintain rotor speed and aircraft control as he was attempting to return to the runway during a low-altitude simulated engine-out maneuver.

NTSB analysis

After performing a normal takeoff, the private pilot of the gyroplane transmitted over the radio that he was going to conduct a simulated engine-out maneuver and return to the opposite runway. Witnesses saw the gyroplane flying toward the runway erratically and at low altitude over a field. The gyroplane's nose pitched up, and the gyroplane rolled inverted before impacting a grass area to the side of the runway. One witness, who was also a pilot, estimated that the gyroplane climbed to 300 to 500 ft above ground level before performing the maneuver and speculated that it may not have been enough altitude to complete the maneuver.

Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions and the two main rotor blades did not exhibit significant rotational damage. It is likely that, as the pilot was maneuvering aggressively at low altitude with the engine power at idle, he allowed the main rotor speed to decay, which resulted in a subsequent loss of control and impact with terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA18LA095 for the full record.