What happened
On June 23, 2025, at approximately 0955 EDT, an experimental, amateur-built Gyro Technic GT-VX2 gyrocopter, N62XF, was involved in an accident near Swanzey, New Hampshire. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight.
The pilot intended to perform two traffic pattern circuits for runway 32 at Dillan/Hopkins Airport (EEN) in Keene, New Hampshire. The plan involved completing the first circuit with a low approach and the second with a full-stop landing. While performing the low approach, the pilot was flying approximately 50 feet above the 4,001-foot runway at an airspeed of about 50 mph.
Midway down the runway, the pilot applied full throttle in an attempt to climb, but the aircraft failed to gain altitude. The pilot then pitched the aircraft forward to increase airspeed and rotor speed, but the climb was still not achieved. As the aircraft's altitude decreased, the pilot opted to perform a forced landing in a grass area beyond the runway to avoid the harder asphalt surface. During the landing, the gyrocopter hit the ground hard, bounced, and rolled onto its left side. The pilot sustained one minor injury.
The pilot noted uncertainty regarding whether the engine failed to produce full power or if the aircraft had become behind the power curve while the pilot was visually scanning for two other aircraft in the traffic pattern for runway 2.
The investigation
An inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found substantial damage to the main rotor blades and the empennage of the gyrocopter. The aircraft's engine control unit and multifunction display were recovered for data download.