Tuesday, November 21, 2017

AutoGyro Cavalon, N470CH, operated by AIC Recycling LLC: Accident occurred November 17, 2017 at Cape Fear Regional Jetport (KSUT), Oak Island, Brunswick County, North Carolina

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

AIC Recycling LLC: http://registry.faa.gov/N470CH

Location: Oak Island, NC

Accident Number: ERA18LA027
Date & Time: 11/17/2017, 1000 EST
Registration: N470CH
Aircraft: DONALD L HOMER AUTOGYRO CAVALON
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

On November 17, 2017, about 1000 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Autogyro Cavalon, N470CH, operated by AIC Recycling, LLC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Cape Fear Regional Jetport (SUT), Oak Island, North Carolina. The private pilot and a flight instructor were not injured. The instructional flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.

The private pilot reported that he was receiving instruction for his biannual flight review. The engine run-up and takeoff to the southwest were normal, but while climbing through 100 ft above ground level, the engine lost power rapidly, decreasing from 5,000 to 3,000 rpm. The flight instructor took over the flight controls and turned 180° back towards runway 5. Immediately after the turn was completed, the gyrocopter landed hard in the grassy area west of runway 5, and rolled to a stop.

Examination of the gyrocopter by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the fuselage was cracked in multiple locations, and the center throttle console was crumpled.

According to FAA records, the gyrocopter was issued a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental amateur-built aircraft category on May 11, 2012. It was a two-place, carbon fiber gyrocopter of semi monocoque design. It was equipped with fixed tricycle landing gear, a Rotax 914UL 115-horsepower turbocharged engine and a Sensenich three-blade fixed propeller.

The weather conditions reported at an airport located 22 miles northeast of the accident site, at 0953 included, wind from 020° at 13 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 11° C, dew point 1° C, and an altimeter setting of 30.23 inches of mercury.

The gyrocopter was recovered from the accident site and retained for additional examination

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: DONALD L HOMER
Registration: N470CH
Model/Series: AUTOGYRO CAVALON NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Gyroplane
Amateur Built: Yes
Operator: AIC Recycling LLC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: ILM, 31 ft msl
Observation Time: 1453 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 22 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 11°C / 1°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 13 knots, 20°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.23 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Oak Island, NC (SUT)
Destination: Oak Island, NC (SUT)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  33.926944, -78.078333 (est)

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