AutoGyro Cavalon, N442AG: Accident occurred March 26, 2018 at Dean Memorial Airport (5B9), Haverhill, Grafton County, New Hampshire

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Portland

http://registry.faa.gov/N442AG

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

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board

Location: Haverhill, NH
Accident Number: GAA18CA179
Date & Time: 03/26/2018, 1015 EDT
Registration: N442AG
Aircraft: LYNN PERRY CAVALON
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The pilot of the gyroplane reported that, during the takeoff roll, after the front landing gear became light, he attempted to push the control stick forward, but was unable. He then used both hands in an attempt to push the stick forward. He realized he could not move the control stick forward and therefore could not control the gyroplane. He rejected the takeoff by reducing power, the gyroplane veered to the left, and the rotor struck the runway. Subsequently, the gyroplane rolled onto its left side, skidded down the runway, exited the left side of the runway, and impacted a snowbank.

The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rotor system and fuselage.

The pilot reported that he removed the rotor blade by removing the center pivoting bolt, and in doing so, the rotor head moved forward and freed the stick.

The Federal Aviation Administration sent two inspectors to examine the gyroplane. During the visit, the rotor head moved freely in all directions with no evidence of binding or restriction, and no discrepancies were noted with the torque tube or cabling in the keel tube. The brake and trim controls were also moved in various sequences and control positions, but there were no discrepancies found. The FAA inspector added that, with an inadvertent and or unnoticed activation of full aft trim prior to beginning the takeoff roll, there could be enough resistance created to generate the conditions the pilot experienced. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private; Sport Pilot
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Gyroplane
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: BasicMed Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/03/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/04/2017
Flight Time: (Estimated) 1831 hours (Total, all aircraft), 77 hours (Total, this make and model) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: LYNN PERRY
Registration: N442AG
Model/Series: CAVALON NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Gyroplane
Year of Manufacture: 2017
Amateur Built: Yes
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: V00311
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/16/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1232 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 57.8 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Rotax
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 914UL
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 115 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: K1P1, 505 ft msl
Observation Time: 1415 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 149°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 0°C / -8°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: Calm
Visibility (RVR):
Altimeter Setting: 30.75 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV):
Precipitation and Obscuration:  No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Haverhill, NH (5B9)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Haverhill, NH (5B9)
Type of Clearance:None 
Departure Time: 1015 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: DEAN MEMORIAL (5B9)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 581 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough
Runway Used: 01
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 2511 ft / 58 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  44.080000, -72.007778 (est)