History of Flight
On October 30, 2018, about 1448 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built AutoGyro Cavalon gyroplane (N198LT) impacted a power pole, wires, terrain, and a residence, then experienced a post-crash fire. The flight departed Sebring Regional Airport (SEF) around 1440, destined for Manatee Airport (48X), Palmetto, Florida. No flight plan was filed. The pilot had flown the gyroplane earlier that day for about two hours and refueled before departing with the passenger. Radar data showed the gyroplane climbed to about 1,000 ft and cruised at a heading of 280°. Around 1446, it began a descent from 1,000 ft over the southwestern shore of Lake Jackson. The radar target disappeared at 900 ft, about 0.4 mile southeast of the accident site. A mayday call was recorded at 1448 on the common traffic advisory frequency. Sounds consistent with engine rpm changes were heard before impact sounds. A witness reported the gyroplane was flying northwest about 300 ft above ground at low airspeed, turned east, entered autorotation, then descended out of view followed by a large fireball.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with a rating for rotorcraft-gyroplane and a private pilot certificate for airplane single engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued August 25, 2017. According to FAA records, he had accumulated 4,010 total flight hours, including 2,715 hours in rotorcraft.
Aircraft Information
The gyroplane's airworthiness certificate was issued August 17, 2017. The most recent condition inspection was completed October 4, 2018, at 16.6 total aircraft hours. The aircraft was purchased as a kit by an owner/builder through AutoGyro USA, with a build-assist agreement with Cloud9 Helicopters. The builder had no prior aircraft building experience. An experienced AutoGyro builder later found components had been installed incorrectly and disassembly was required. The test pilot hired for phase one flight testing reported a "sharp left pull" in the cyclic control and grounded the gyroplane after 16.6 hours due to improperly rigged flight controls. Cloud9 Helicopters later completed flight tests between October 4 and 29, 2018. On October 29, 2018, the accident pilot, who was AutoGyro USA's chief operating officer, took possession. He noted carburetor leaks, an inoperative airspeed indicator, and excessive cyclic vibration. The hobbs meter read exactly 40.0 hours, but phase one completion was not documented until the Cloud9 Helicopters president made the entry. The pilot flew the gyroplane from North Palm Beach County Airport (F45) to Sebring, then attempted rotor balancing with a colleague. AutoGyro USA offered rotor balancing equipment, but the pilot declined.
Meteorological Information
Weather recorded at Sebring at 1515 included clear skies, 10 statute miles visibility, wind from 030 degrees at 6 knots, temperature 28°C, dew point 13°C, and altimeter setting 30.07 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The gyroplane struck a power pole, severing power lines, and the residence was consumed by post-crash fire. The wreckage path oriented along 290° and was about 39 ft long. Major components were consumed by fire. The rotor system was largely intact and attached to the pylon, with signatures of wire contact and electrical arcing. The engine cylinder heads showed normal wear. Flight control cables were found separated. The pitch control rod end bearing was not attached to the control horn; the bolt and nut were not installed or found. The Materials Laboratory concluded the damage was consistent with the rod end not having been attached at the time of the accident.
Additional Information
According to the AutoGyro USA operations manager, the rotor vibration level in the video was "unacceptable for delivery." The operations manager stated that the Cavalon gyroplane remained controllable through the electric/pneumatic trim system and power adjustments in case of a flight control failure, citing the Pilot Operating Handbook.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy determined the pilot's cause of death as multiple fractures and visceral lacerations. Toxicology testing found no alcohol or drugs.