Amateur-built MTO SPORT accident near Tavernier, Florida, March 24, 2024

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

The gyroplane was unable to maintain sufficient airspeed and altitude after takeoff, so the pilot attempted to “land like a helicopter” on a side road. While maneuvering to land, the wind blew the gyroplane backward and the tail section impacted a concrete fence. The gyroplane came to rest on its side and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported the winds were variable at 10 knots. Postaccident examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal evidence of any mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Although the calculated relative humidity showed the possibility of carburetor icing at low power setting, the pilot had only operated the gyroplane for about six minutes before taking off, which likely was not a sufficient amount of time for carburetor icing to form. It is likely that shifting winds resulted in a tailwind during the takeoff, and the gyroplane did not have sufficient airspeed at liftoff to maintain flight.

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.

Photographs from the investigation 5 pictures from the NTSB's docket, as the NTSB released them

Photograph 1 – View of gyroplane from front.Photograph 2 – View of gyroplane from left.Photograph 3 – View of gyroplane from right.Photograph 4 – Close-up view of engine.Photograph 5 – View of fence damage and gyroplane debris

The NTSB's photographs with the NTSB's captions, at screen size. Open a picture to see it full size or to report one that should not be shown.