Accident Details
On July 7, 2018, at approximately 1300 Pacific daylight time, an Autogyro Calidus gyrocopter, registration N623AG, struck the runway shortly after takeoff at Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW) in Tacoma, Washington. The gyrocopter was operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The commercial pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The gyrocopter incurred substantial damage to its rotor system and fuselage.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported receiving clearance from the tower for takeoff on runway 17. After taxiing onto the runway, he informed the tower that he would need about 30 seconds to prepare for takeoff. While on the runway, he experienced difficulty engaging the pre-rotator with the rotor ring gear. The pilot stated that the tower controller then transmitted, "that sure is a long 30 seconds." The pilot canceled his takeoff clearance and taxied to a run-up area, where he successfully engaged the pre-rotator. He subsequently requested and received clearance to depart from runway 17. He taxied onto the runway, achieved 200 RPM on the rotor, and began his takeoff roll. The pilot recalled pulling the control stick aft while accelerating. During the takeoff roll, the gyrocopter suddenly became airborne, began shaking violently, descended, and struck the runway. It skidded approximately 100 feet, exited the left side of the runway, and came to rest on its left side. The pilot and passenger egressed with the help of witnesses.
Witness Observations
According to a witness, the gyrocopter began the takeoff roll with the rotor parallel to the runway. The witness observed the rotor tilt back to what appeared to be a 45-degree angle. The gyrocopter then climbed, rolled onto its side, struck the ground, and slid off the runway.
Flight Instructor's Explanation
In an interview, the pilot's flight instructor, who had trained the pilot in the gyrocopter, described the proper takeoff sequence. She explained that when engaging the pre-rotator, it is essential to keep the control stick fully forward to protect the airframe from the slow-spinning rotor. A fully forward control stick places the rotor level with the ground. The rotor needs to reach 200 RPM to protect the fuselage when the control stick is then moved fully aft for the takeoff roll. She noted that beginning the takeoff roll with a level rotor allows the gyrocopter to accelerate quickly and build undesirable speed. Any attempt to bring the control stick back, which tilts the rotor aft, would cause the gyrocopter to go straight up. She stated that pilots may forget to pull the control stick fully aft after pre-rotating to 200 RPM, creating the potential for takeoff rolls with the control stick not fully aft and the rotor level with the ground.
Owner's Manual Warning
A review of the Owner's Manual revealed a warning that states: "Prior to releasing the wheel brake, make sure that the control stick is fully aft, if headwind components allows. A takeoff run with a flat rotor system may have fatal consequences."
Post-Accident Examination
During an examination of the gyrocopter after the accident, it was observed that the aft seat had a control stick installed. The Owner's Manual states that "the aft control stick must be removed unless the passenger seat is occupied by a qualified flight instructor."