Amateur-built GT-VX2 N62XF accident near Swanzey, New Hampshire

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain rotor rpm of the gyroplane during a low approach, while distracted by other aircraft in the airport traffic pattern, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to perform an off-runway landing.

NTSB analysis

The sport pilot of the gyroplane reported that he intended to complete two airport traffic pattern circuits over a runway. He planned to conclude the first circuit with a low approach over the runway and the second circuit with a full stop landing. The majority of the first circuit was uneventful; however, about halfway down the 4,001-ft-long runway during the low approach, when the pilot applied full throttle to climb, the gyroplane did not respond as he had expected. He then pitched forward to increase airspeed and rotor speed, but the gyroplane still would not climb. As his altitude became lower, the pilot decided to perform a forced landing to a grass area beyond the runway, during which the gyroplane’s empennage and main rotor were substantially damaged.

Following the accident, the pilot stated that he was not sure if the engine was unable to produce full power, or if he allowed the gyroplane to “fall behind the power curve” as he was distracted looking for traffic utilizing a crossing runway. Data download from the gyroplane’s primary flight display, engine management system, and engine control unit were reviewed following the accident. The data did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures and showed that just prior to the pilot terminating the climb attempt, the engine rpm was increasing while the rotor rpm was decreasing, consistent with the pilot’s statement that he may have let gyroplane get “behind the power curve”. During the impact sequence, there was a sudden increased in throttle position along with a rapid spike in engine rpm, beyond its maximum rated speed, likely due to the propeller blades shearing off and unloading resistance on the engine.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA237 for the full record.