Accident
On October 17, 2015, at approximately 1200 central daylight time, a Bobby Martin AutoGyro MTO Sport gyroplane, registration N3232Z, impacted terrain in a remote swampy area near Wallisville, Texas. The pilot reported no injuries, and the gyroplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.
Flight History
The gyroplane departed Chambers County Airport (T00) in Anhuac, Texas, around 1130 for a local sightseeing flight over wetlands. The pilot stated that, while in straight and level flight at an altitude of about 250 to 300 feet above ground, he heard and felt something break loose behind him near the engine area. A severe vibration then developed. Reducing power lessened the vibration but caused the gyroplane to descend. When the pilot added power again, the vibration became severe and performance did not recover. Realizing he could not reach a suitable landing site, the pilot selected a clear area in the swamp below and executed a forced landing. During the landing, the right main landing gear sank into the swamp, causing the gyroplane to roll onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and rotor mast.
Propeller Examination
Postaccident examination of the pusher propeller revealed that one of its three carbon fiber blades had split and separated. The damaged blade showed one half missing for three-quarters of its outboard length, about 1.5 inches missing from the tip of the remaining half, two deep cuts in the leading edge, and a fracture at the blade root near the hub. The damage was consistent with an impact, but no object capable of causing such damage was found at the scene.
Manufacturer Information
According to the aircraft manufacturer, the propeller blade was constructed from two separate halves bonded together prior to curing, with a foam-filled core that bonded to the resin. The manufacturer indicated awareness of two similar cases where a blade split open, both involving seat cushions that exited the aircraft and struck the propeller.
Additional Findings
No other preaccident anomalies were identified with the gyroplane.