Amateur-built ELA 07 SCORPION N534EA accident near Sebring, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to slow the gyroplane and maintain control while exiting the runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the experimental, amateur-built gyroplane. He landed on the runway and began a left turn to the taxiway. A witness stated that the rotor blades had a "high speed" of rotation after the gyroplane landed and that a main rotor blade struck the runway. Subsequently, the gyroplane spun and rolled onto its right side, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, main rotor, and tail section. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation. He recommended that the accident might have been prevented by "slow[ing] down while making turns."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA18TA144 for the full record.