Accident Overview
On September 25, 2009, at approximately 1330 eastern daylight time, an experimental light sport Celier Aviation Xenon RST Gyroplane, registration N4462J, forced landed in a lake shortly after takeoff from Raven’s Run Airport (SC65), Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The gyroplane was substantially damaged. The private certificated pilot and one passenger were not injured.
Pilot and Passenger Statements
The pilot stated that he performed a preflight inspection of the gyroplane, taking time to show the passenger, a potential purchaser, what he was inspecting. He allowed the engine to warm up, then taxied to the runway and performed an engine run-up. No discrepancies were noted. He then taxied onto the runway for an intended flight to remain in the traffic pattern. He taxied to the approach end of runway 15, completed normal pre-rotation of the main rotor, and began the takeoff roll. Approximately 1,200 feet before the departure end of the runway, he began a normal liftoff. When the gyroplane was approximately 30 feet above ground level (agl), just above tree tops, the pilot noticed a loss of lift. He lowered the nose to increase airspeed and lift, but the gyroplane continued to descend. With no runway available, the pilot landed flat into the water. He and his passenger exited the gyroplane and swam to shore.
The passenger stated that the accident flight was his first in the gyroplane, which had dual flight controls. The pilot performed a preflight inspection, including checking the fuel tanks for water by draining about 1 cc of fuel onto the ground. The pilot asked if he saw any bubbles; the passenger said he did not, but was not actively looking. Following the preflight, the passenger sat in the right seat and donned the seatbelt and shoulder harness. The pilot locked the door, turned on the pre-rotator, then engaged the propeller. The pilot initiated the takeoff, and the gyroplane climbed above trees and houses then reportedly dropped like a rock into a pond. The gyroplane came to rest upright; both occupants evacuated and swam to shore. Immediately after, the pilot stated the aircraft was not climbing as expected. The passenger did not perceive a change in engine sound.
Post-Accident Examination
Following recovery, the gyroplane was transported to a location in another state. According to the individual who had possession of the gyroplane (formerly the U.S. distributor), water was flushed from the fuel system and engine. The impact-damaged propeller was removed and replaced, and the engine was started and operated to 5,800 rpm (full static red line). No engine anomalies were noted during the run.
The pilot reported the gyroplane was about 90 pounds under maximum gross weight. Calculations indicated the gyroplane was within weight and balance at the time of the accident. The performance section of the gyroplane's flight manual showed that on a standard day, takeoff distance was 190 feet, and takeoff distance over a 50-foot obstacle was 377 feet. The flight manual did not include figures for other than standard conditions.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
Surface observations at Charleston Air Force Base/International Airport (CHS), about 12 miles west, at 1356 included winds from 190 degrees true at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 3,000 feet. Temperature was 32°C, dew point 21°C, and altimeter setting 30.05 inches of mercury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed.