Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing in crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, during a stop-and-go landing in crosswind conditions, the gyroplane bounced about 4 ft. He added that the wind lifted the gyroplane and that he did not have "the speed or rudder control to counteract" the drift. The gyroplane impacted the ground on its right side.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 39 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 300° at 8 knots. The gyroplane landed on runway 30.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA184 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 10, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Maria, California
- Nearest airport
- Santa Maria Pub/Capt G Allan H (SMX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built CAVALON
- N-number
- N425AG
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2015
- 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.