History of Flight
On July 10, 2014, at about 1730 eastern daylight time, an unregistered amateur-built Air Command model 532 gyroplane was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near Lada Airport (7MI5), Petersburg, Michigan. The pilot, who had an expired student pilot certificate, was fatally injured. The gyroplane was owned and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which departed from 7MI5 at an unknown time.
An acquaintance reported that the pilot arrived at the departure airport around 1700 with the gyroplane on a trailer, but did not mention an intention to fly. There were no witnesses to the accident flight. On the morning of July 11, 2014, the wreckage was discovered in a potato field about 1/4 mile east of the departure airport.
Personnel Information
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman records, the pilot did not possess a valid pilot certificate. On October 25, 2002, he was issued a student pilot certificate in conjunction with a third-class medical certificate. At that time, he reported 45 hours total flight time, with 22 hours in the preceding 6 months. The student pilot certificate expired in October 2004. The pilot's flight logbook was not located during the investigation.
Aircraft Information
FAA aircraft registry records indicated that the amateur-built gyroplane did not have an airworthiness certificate or registration number. The single-seat gyroplane was powered by a Rotax model 532 engine, serial number 3671761. No maintenance documentation was found during the investigation.
Meteorological Information
At 1735, the automated surface observing system (ASOS) at Toledo Suburban Airport (DUH), about 9 miles south of the accident site, reported wind from 120 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear sky, temperature 25°C, dew point 14°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.14 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was located in a potato field about 1/4 mile east of the departure airport. A debris path originated from the initial point of impact on a northerly heading and measured about 30 feet long. All airframe components were found along the debris path or among the main wreckage. Flight control continuity could not be established due to damage extent, but all observed discontinuities were consistent with overstress. One of the two main rotor blades had separated from the mast hub assembly, with damage consistent with ground impact. Examination of the engine revealed that the forward spark plug of the two-cylinder, two-stroke Rotax 532 engine was loose and could be removed by hand. No additional preimpact anomalies were noted that would have prevented normal operation. The throttle was found in the full-aft position, there was a smell of automobile fuel at the site, and the 3-blade propeller exhibited minor damage.
Medical and Pathological Information
On July 12, 2014, an autopsy was performed at the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office in Detroit, Michigan. The cause of death was attributed to multiple blunt-force injuries sustained during the accident. Toxicological testing by NMS Labs in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, was negative for ethanol and drugs of abuse.