Accident RAF 2000 GTX-SE N9155H, Friday 15 August 1997

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Date:	Friday 15 August 1997
Time:	11:30 LT
Type:	RAF 2000 GTX-SE
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N9155H
MSN:	H2-95-6-165
Total airframe hrs:	72 hours
Engine model:	Subaru LEGACY
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Olympia, WA - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	(KOLM)
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
During takeoff with a gyroplane, the pilot initiated the takeoff with a rotor speed of 150 rpm in order to expedite his takeoff for a landing airplane. As the aircraft became airborne, it started a roll to the left and the rotor blades struck the ground.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to attain adequate rotor rpm prior to takeoff.

Accident investigation: