Accident Summary
On October 13, 2023, at 1300 eastern daylight time, a RotorSport UK Ltd MTOsport 2017 gyroplane, registration N975CD, was substantially damaged during a takeoff accident at Easton Airport/Newnam Field (ESN), Easton, Maryland. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Background
The pilot, a former military helicopter pilot, had not flown for approximately 18 years before returning to aviation. He considered a gyroplane the easiest and most economical transition and received training in the same model from a local distributor who was also a flight instructor. The pilot purchased a new gyroplane directly from the factory, with delivery in September 2023. Prior to accepting delivery, he completed two flights totaling about one hour of dual instruction with the instructor/distributor. The pilot described the gyroplane as flying "beautifully…like a Ferrari." He took official delivery on the day of the accident and decided to fly from ESN to his home in Virginia.
Flight Sequence
Before departure, the pilot performed an abbreviated preflight checklist, including flight control checks, and found no issues. He started the engine and taxied to the active runway, completing a before-takeoff checklist with no discrepancies. The pilot then initiated takeoff on runway 4, pre-rotating the rotor to 200 rpm and rolling forward. After achieving "wheel balance"—balancing on the main landing gear without nose gear contact—he increased rotor rpm, and the gyroplane lifted off. At approximately 5 feet above the runway, the gyroplane made an uncommanded 30° yaw to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder pedal but received no response. Deciding to reject the takeoff, he reduced power, pushed the nose forward, and then pulled back on the controls to soften the landing. The main rotor blades flapped, and the pilot could not recall whether the gyroplane rolled left or right before it dropped vertically about 15 to 20 feet to the ground. After the gyroplane came to a stop, the pilot manually turned off the engine.
Postaccident Examination
The pilot reported no knowledge of why the yaw occurred, noting that the control stick remained in his hand and he felt no feedback in the rudder pedals. He stated there were no birds in the vicinity and the wind was calm. A postaccident examination of the gyroplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Flight control system continuity was confirmed from the cockpit controls to each flight control surface.