M24 ORION PLUS N728RJ accident near Suches, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to take off from the runway midpoint with a tailwind, which resulted in impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The gyroplane pilot reported that he initiated his takeoff midway down the runway with a tailwind. After takeoff, the angle of climb was shallower than expected and the pilot determined that he may not clear the trees beyond the runway’s departure end. He attempted to turn back toward the runway; however, the gyroplane had insufficient altitude and impacted the brush. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tail section and the passenger was seriously injured. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation and that he gave up safety margin unnecessarily. He stated that he should have performed a full-length departure into the wind.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA072 for the full record.