Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings at a private airport. While in the traffic pattern, the gyrocopter collided with the terrain following a loss of control while the pilot was maneuvering at a low altitude. One witness saw the gyrocopter descending and impacting the ground nose first. Another stated that the gyrocopter and pilot performance were normal and unremarkable before the accident. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13FA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 23, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wellton, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Private (none)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
VORTEX
- N-number
- N618TC
- Category
- Gyroplane
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.