Accident Details
On June 16, 2021, about 1730 central daylight time, an AutoGyro Cavalon gyroplane, registration N46JS, was substantially damaged in an accident near Collinsville, Texas. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported departing from North Texas Regional Airport (GYI) in Denison, Texas, around 1715, en route to Weatherford, Texas, at an altitude of 2,500 feet. During cruise flight, the gyroplane experienced a loss of engine power, leading to a decrease in airspeed and altitude. The pilot was unable to restore engine power and performed a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing, the main rotor blades sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
The pilot stated that the gyroplane had 13 gallons of fuel at takeoff. Postaccident examination revealed that fuel was not being delivered to the engine when the fuel tank was below one-half full in the interconnected tanks. Examination of the fuel pumps found that the No. 1 main fuel pump was inoperable, and the No. 2 auxiliary fuel pump stopped working after a few seconds. No evidence of contamination or debris was found in the fuel system.