Amateur-built TAURUS N553AT accident near Strawberry Reservoir, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the snow-covered lake while flying at a low altitude.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while flying low over a snow-covered frozen lake, the gyrocopter was closer to the surface than he realized. The pilot increased engine power to attempt to climb away from the surface, however, the nosewheel impacted snow on the surface and the gyrocopter nosed over, rolled, and came to rest on its side. The fuselage, horizontal stabilizer, and rudders were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyrocopter that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA126 for the full record.