| Crash location | 34.209722°N, 118.490000°W |
| Nearest city | Van Nuys, CA
34.186672°N, 118.448971°W 2.8 miles away |
| Tail number | N767LW |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 29 Jan 2018 |
| Aircraft type | Wayne Miller Sport Copter Ii |
| Additional details: | None |
According to the pilot in the experimental amateur-built gyroplane, during the takeoff roll on runway 34 in gusting wind conditions, the pilot did not allow the rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) to adequately increase. He advanced the throttle and the nose pitched up. The gyroplane exited the left side of the runway and the rotor blades struck the propeller.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.
The METAR at the airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 350° at 17kts gusting to 22kts.
Per the National Transportation Safety Board's Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported in the Safety Recommendation section that, this accident could have been prevented if he had confirmed the proper rotor RPM.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot’s decision to takeoff in gusting wind conditions with insufficient rotor rpm.