Amateur-built M-24 PLUS N327JD accident near Nashua, New Hampshire

Probable cause

The pilot's incapacitation during the takeoff roll due to a stroke.

NTSB analysis

According to a witness, the gyroplane used more runway than typical to become airborne before it began to drift toward the left edge of the runway. About halfway down the runway, the gyroplane departed the runway, bounced over a taxiway, porpoised, and came to rest inverted. The witness stated that he saw no indication that the pilot had attempted to slow down or correct the left deviation from centerline. After the accident, a medical evaluation identified that the pilot had experienced a cerebral infarction (stroke). Symptoms often develop suddenly and can include numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; confusion; difficulty speaking; trouble seeing; severe headache; and loss of coordination. It is likely that the pilot was incapacitated by the stroke during the takeoff roll.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA076 for the full record.