Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the gyroplane, which resulted in dynamic rollover and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the fifth touch-and-go landing, after the gyroplane accelerated to about 40 knots, it began to roll right. The pilot applied left cyclic; however, it was insufficient to arrest the roll. The gyroplane subsequently entered dynamic rollover to the right, and the main rotor impacted the runway. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA359 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 20, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hopkinsville, Kentucky
- Nearest airport
- Hopkinsville-Christian County (HVC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built CALIDUS
- N-number
- N4779M
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2018
- 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.