NTSB Factual Report

The solo student gyroplane pilot reported that, he "was flying behind the power curve," and the gyroplane lost altitude. He added that he couldn't tell if there were powerlines ahead and decided to do a "hard vertical decent landing." The terrain was uneven, and the gyroplane rolled on to its side during landing.

The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rotor, fuselage, and empennage.

The student added that prior to his decision to land, he got distracted for a few seconds, and descended below a safe altitude.

The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failure or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in a loss of altitude and necessitated a sudden descent to unsuitable terrain.