Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare during the landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was "crow hopping" down the runway in the amateur-built Pit Bull JD-3 gyrocopter, practicing landings and takeoffs. During one of the landings, he did not control the rate of descent, and the gyrocopter "settled" hard on the runway. After contacting the ground, the left main landing gear collapsed and the gyrocopter rolled onto its left side, substantially damaging the fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the gyrocopter. Additionally, he reported 2 hours of flight experience in a similar gyrocopter, 8 months prior to the accident. The pilot did not hold a rotorcraft-gyroplane rating.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA093 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 27, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Leonardtown, Maryland
- Nearest airport
- St. Mary'S County Regional (2W6)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Pit Bull JD-3
- N-number
- N6592H
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.