NTSB Factual Report

On November 17, 2017, about 1000 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Autogyro Cavalon, N470CH, operated by AIC Recycling, LLC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Cape Fear Regional Jetport (SUT), Oak Island, North Carolina. The private pilot and a flight instructor were not injured. The instructional flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.

The private pilot reported that he was receiving instruction for his biannual flight review. The engine run-up and takeoff to the southwest were normal, but while climbing through 100 ft above ground level, the engine lost power rapidly, decreasing from 5,000 to 3,000 rpm. The flight instructor took over the flight controls and turned 180° back towards runway 5. Immediately after the turn was completed, the gyrocopter landed hard in the grassy area west of runway 5, and rolled to a stop.

Examination of the gyrocopter by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the fuselage was cracked in multiple locations, and the center throttle console was crumpled.

According to FAA records, the gyrocopter was issued a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental amateur-built aircraft category on May 11, 2012. It was a two-place, carbon fiber gyrocopter of semi monocoque design. It was equipped with fixed tricycle landing gear, a Rotax 914UL 115-horsepower turbocharged engine and a Sensenich three-blade fixed propeller.

The weather conditions reported at an airport located 22 miles northeast of the accident site, at 0953 included, wind from 020° at 13 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 11° C, dew point 1° C, and an altimeter setting of 30.23 inches of mercury.

The gyrocopter was recovered from the accident site and retained for additional examination