Amateur-built MTO SPORT N207AG accident near Gardiner, Montana

Probable cause

Failure of the rudder/nosewheel steering system for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in loss of yaw control and a subsequent rollover.

NTSB analysis

The pilot landed on the runway with about 10 mph forward speed. After touchdown, the gyroplane veered to the right despite the pilot’s full use of opposite rudder and nosewheel steering. The gyroplane rolled onto its right side and off the runway, which substantially damaged the rotor mast. Postaccident examination of the rudder/nosewheel steering system revealed that the mechanical stop was bent. There was overstress damage to three of the four control rods which likely occurred when the nosewheel turned beyond its limit during the accident landing.

The manufacturer’s construction of the rudder/nosewheel steering assembly met British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR) Section T, “Light Gyroplanes” standards. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport’s website described the runway as being in poor condition, with cracks and vegetation growth throughout. However, the pilot was aware of the conditions and had made two successful landings before the accident landing. Wind conditions were reported as variable at 5 knots and likely did not influence the landing.

Although the steering system’s mechanical stop may have become bent during either the accident landing or a previous landing, the investigation was not able to determine the source of the bent stop.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA269 for the full record.