Probable cause
The pilot’s improper control input during an aborted takeoff procedure, which resulted in a main rotor blade contacting the vertical stabilizer, a loss of control, and subsequent runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, during the takeoff roll, she felt a “shudder” just before the gyrocopter became airborne. She immediately aborted the takeoff and reduced power with the aft cyclic still applied. The gyrocopter entered a steep nose-high attitude, and a main rotor blade struck the top of the vertical stabilizer. The gyrocopter departed the left side of the runway and landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder. Also, the nosewheel fractured and separated from the airframe. Postaccident examination of the flight controls and the fractured nosewheel revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA134 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 20, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sarasota, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Sarasota/Bradenton Intl (SRQ)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AR-1KC
- N-number
- N65PC
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2019
- 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.