Amateur-built KENS WINGLESS WONDER accident near Mount Airy, North Carolina, March 12, 2017
On March 12, 2017 at about 5:58 pm local time, a amateur-built KENS WINGLESS WONDER (gyroplane), registered N7195R, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Mount Airy, North Carolina (Mount Airy/Surry County airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot’s improper adjustment of the prerotator motor, which resulted in its failure to disengage and the subsequent loss of aircraft control during takeoff.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- March 12, 2017 · about 5:58 pm local time
- Place
- Mount Airy, North Carolina · Mount Airy/Surry County · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built KENS WINGLESS WONDER NO SERIES
- Registration
- N7195R · no longer on the register · serial 290163188-1
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot, who was also the owner of the of amateur-built gyroplane, stated that he adjusted the prerotator motor pressure plate before the flight by moving it closer to the clutch to improve rpm. During takeoff, the gyroplane rolled right, and he was unable to maintain control. The gyroplane subsequently impacted the ground and cartwheeled, which resulted in substantial damage to the rotor, mast, and cabin. The pilot further stated that, due to his adjustment, it was likely that the prerotator did not disengage, which resulted in increased right torque and the inability to control the gyroplane during takeoff.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Preflight or dispatch event during prior to flight
- Flight control sys malf/fail during takeoff defining event
- Loss of control in flight during takeoff
The NTSB's findings
- cause Personnel issues › Task performance › Maintenance › Modification/alteration › Pilot
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Yaw control › Attain/maintain not possible
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › (general) › Incorrect service/maintenance
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: rotorcraft: gyroplane
- Flight time: 520 hours in all; 24.2 in this make and model; 50 in the last 90 days; 25 in the last 30 days; 520 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: September 16, 2010
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Last inspection: condition inspection, March 12, 2017
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Subaru 2.5 (piston); 850 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: MWK Mount Airy SC at 5:00 pm
- Destination: MWK Mount Airy SC
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 36, 4,301 ft by 75 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 43°F (6°C), dew point 1°F (-17°C)
- Altimeter: 30.31 inHg
- Observation at 4:50 pm from KMWK
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
2 documents, released by the NTSB on August 15, 2017. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 11 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Photo Array | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.