Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain the proper rotor speed before takeoff, which resulted in the rotor blade striking the rudder. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll, the gyroplane's rotor "flapped" and struck the rudder. He aborted the takeoff and taxied to the ramp without further incident. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that if he had aborted the takeoff at the first indication of a problem the accident could have been avoided.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA20CA044 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 21, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brooksville, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Brooksville-Tampa Bay Rgnl (BKV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built AR-1
- N-number
- N147AR
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2017
- 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.