Fatal Gyroplane Accident Near Beverly, Massachusetts (N401GR)

Accident Overview and Pilot Background On December 4, 2022, at approximately 1135 eastern standard time, a Rotorsport UK Cavalon gyroplane, registration N401GR, was substantially damaged in an accident near Beverly, Massachusetts. The aircraft was operating as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot, who was also the aircraft's owner, sustained fatal blunt force injuries. The pilot had obtained his sport pilot certificate approximately six months prior to the accident and possessed about 120 total flight hours, all in gyroplanes. The aircraft had recently returned from a three-month maintenance period, during which the pilot had not flown. On the day of the accident, the pilot was conducting a local flight and had been cleared for takeoff on runway 34 by a tower controller.