ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 45494
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| Date: | Tuesday 16 July 2002 |
| Time: | 18:15 |
| Type: | Wheeler Doug 2000 |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N2058T |
| MSN: | H2-02-13-535 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 80 hours |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Ogden, UT -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Take off |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Ogden, UT (OGD) |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
Main rotor blade rpm was seen to slow as the pilot waited for landing traffic to clear the runway. The pilot was then cleared for takeoff on runway 34. Wind was reported to be from 320 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots. Main rotor rpm was seen to increase as the gyroplane began its takeoff roll. After it had lifted off and climbed 200 to 400 feet, witnesses saw something separate from the gyroplane and it fall to the ground. An endorsement in the pilot's logbook indicated he was competent for "solo day flight...with winds less than 15 knots and crosswind component less than 8 knots." He was not rated in gyroplanes. Wreckage examination revealed the rectangular boxed beam tail boom was twisted and severed about 2 feet in front of the vertical stabilizer. The vertical stabilizer leading edge bore chop marks. The rudder was shattered. A diagonal crease mark was noted on the left surface of the vertical stabilizer, running from the upper leading edge to the lower trailing, near the tail wheel. Both rudder cables were severed. The outboard portions of all four pusher propeller blades were severed at the same angle. Both main rotor blades were bent downward at the hub, and one blade was severed. The pilot's toxicology screen was positive for nordiazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam. These are metabolites of benzodiazepine. The most common benzodiazepine, Valium, prescribed under the name of Restoril, is a tranquilizer used in the treatment of anxiety, and is contraindicated for flying. Since benzodiazepines were not detected in blood, the pilot most likely was not under its influence. The aircraft's flight manual gives the following warnings: "Attempting takeoff at full engine power with initial rotor speed less than 150 rpm will lead to blade flapping. In this condition the rotor will contact the ground." CAUSE: the pilot's failure to obtain and maintain adequate main rotor rpm, resulting in blade flapping and subsequent blade contact with the airframe, severing of the tailboom, and causing loss of aircraft control. Contributing factors were the high gusty winds, and the pilot's lack of proper certification.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20020730X01251&key=1
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 28-Oct-2008 00:45 | ASN archive | Added |
| 21-Dec-2016 19:24 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency] |
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