NTSB Factual Report

On September 18, 2005, about 1215 Pacific daylight time, an Eiland RAF-2000 Gyro amateur-built experimental gyroplane, N4416N, collided with terrain in an uncontrolled descent following a loss of control on takeoff from Bend Municipal Airport, Bend, Oregon. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was not injured. The gyroplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, during the initial takeoff climb from runway 34, he noticed that the "controls felt sluggish compared to normal precise feeling of the gyroplane." He decided to execute a 180 degree turn back to the taxiway parallel to the runway. As soon as he began a shallow turn to the right, the gyroplane entered "a very steep diving spiral turn," and the controls "seemed totally ineffective." The gyroplane continued to descend and turn until it impacted a road running perpendicular to the runway about 50 feet north of the departure end. The pilot reported that the "cause of control malfunction is uncertain."

NTSB Probable Cause

The malfunction of the flight controls for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a loss of control and in-flight collision with terrain.