Incident Overview
A low-time pilot was performing touch-and-go landing operations on Runway 20 at the Salina-Gunnison Airport. During these maneuvers, the gyroplane frequently deviated from the runway's centerline. On several occasions, it passed over his father, wife, and a third witness, who were situated beyond the edge of the runway. After the seventh such overflight, the gyroplane began a transition from horizontal to vertical flight. It reached an altitude of approximately 200 to 250 feet above ground level, then descended rapidly to the ground.
Witness Account
The pilot's father was videotaping the gyroplane during the operations. He described the maneuver as "like a hammerhead stall," a term typically used to describe a vertical climb followed by a nose-down descent.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, personnel from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the wreckage for signs of mechanical failure. Their inspection found no evidence of any mechanical malfunction. The investigation did not identify any pre-existing defects in the gyroplane's systems or structures.