Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that he flared the gyroplane too high and landed hard and that the gyroplane subsequently tipped over on its right side. He added that he evacuated the gyroplane before a postimpact fire ensued and destroyed the gyroplane.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA259 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 4, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Spanish Fork, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Spanish Fork-Springville-Woodh (U77)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VORTEX
- N-number
- N514CL
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2014
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.