Amateur-built M-16 N271BP accident near Foley, Alabama

Probable cause

The sport pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane during initial climb, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The sport pilot obtained his pilot certificate about 4 months prior to the accident and had accrued a total flight experience of 61 hours; of which, 55 hours were in the accident gyroplane. According to witnesses and airport video, during takeoff and initial climb, the engine was at full power throughout the accident flight, and the sound of the engine was smooth and continuous until ground contact. After rotation and liftoff, the gyroplane oscillated slightly but then the oscillations ceased. The nose of the gyroplane subsequently pitched up too far and full left rudder input was applied until the nose of the gyroplane was oriented 90° to the direction of flight. A right cyclic input followed, which unloaded the rotor system and induced a buntover event. The gyroplane turned and rolled right, through inverted, before it impacted the runway in a nose-low, upright position. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25FA071 for the full record.