NTSB Reports: July 2015

At about 1225 Central time, the gyrocopter was destroyed when it collided with power lines while maneuvering. The solo private pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.The gyrocopter had impacted 30-foot-high power lines, breaking two of them. The pilot's headgear showed thermal damage to the faceshield and soot was evident inside of the shield and around the face relief of the helmet, consistent with electrical arcing. The engine appeared to be mostly intact and fuel was present.

Key Takeaways:

• A significant number of incidents involved **engine power loss** during various flight phases, from takeoff to cruise, frequently necessitating forced landings which often resulted in substantial aircraft damage or fatalities.
• Numerous accidents were characterized by **collisions with environmental obstacles** such as power lines, trees, or terrain, often occurring during low-altitude maneuvering or problematic takeoffs and landings.
• **Pilot judgment and aircraft control issues** contributed to several accidents, including taxiing mishaps, aggressive maneuvers by student pilots, and declared control emergencies, some arising during post-maintenance flights.
• Many of these aviation incidents resulted in **substantial aircraft damage or destruction**, with a considerable number leading to serious injuries or fatalities for those on board.

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