Pilot Background
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. He had accumulated approximately one hour of flight time in the Bensen gyrocopter prior to the accident flight. According to the aircraft owner, he instructed the pilot not to climb above 5 to 6 feet. The pilot stated that he had read "Flying Instructions - Fundamentals of Gyrocopter Flight", which prescribes at least 50 takeoffs and landings not exceeding 1 to 2 feet above ground level before further maneuvers.
Flight Sequence
The pilot departed from a parallel taxiway, flying straight and level at a low altitude. After reaching the midpoint of the taxiway, he climbed to approximately 100 feet. As he approached the end of the taxiway, the pilot initiated a rapid powered descent, followed by a descending left turn. The gyrocopter touched down at a relatively high ground speed, swerved two or three times, and subsequently tipped over.
Pilot's Claim
The pilot reported that he was coerced into operating the gyrocopter without adequate instruction.