Probable cause
A ruptured fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine and a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that he departed with full fuel tanks for a local flight. While flying along a coastline, the engine lost power, and the pilot navigated to complete a forced landing on a beach. During the landing rollout, the nose wheel dug into soft sand and the gyrocopter rolled over onto its left side, which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor and empennage. Postaccident examination of the gyrocopter’s engine revealed that a rubber fuel supply line was ruptured. Given this information, it is likely that the fuel leak starved the engine of fuel, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA031 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 7, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- None
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
II
- N-number
- N40380
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2007
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.