Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in loss of directional control and a subsequent runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing, the right wheel touched down first on the runway, and the gyroplane veered to the right. He added that, the "aircraft bounced from one wheel to the other" multiple times until the main rotor blade struck the runway. The gyroplane then rolled to the right, slid off the runway, and came to rest on its left side. A postcrash fire ignited in the engine compartment and consumed the gyroplane.
The gyroplane was destroyed.
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 GAA18CA049 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 19, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Casa Grande, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Casa Grande Muni (CGZ)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Amateur-built AUTOGYRO CAVALON
- N-number
- N953LS
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2013
- 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.