Luciano Edison HA-2 SPORTSTER accident near Humacao, PR
On April 3, 2010, a Luciano Edison HA-2 SPORTSTER (gyroplane) was involved in an accident near Humacao, PR. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- April 3, 2010
- Place
- Humacao, PR
- Aircraft
- Luciano Edison HA-2 SPORTSTER · Gyroplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 18.134°N, 66.806°W
- NTSB ID
- 20100404X22528
Official records · ERA10LA207
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On April 3, 2010, about 1730 Atlantic standard time, an experimental amateur-built Edison HA-2 Sportster gyrocraft, N764EL, registered to a private individual, crashed into an open field approximately .4 nautical mile southwest from Humacao Airport (X63), Humacao, Puerto Rico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal, local flight from X63. The gyrocraft sustained substantial damage. The student pilot, the sole occupant was killed. The flight originated about 1 minute earlier. A witness reported that the pilot arrived at X63 about 1530 with the gyrocraft on a trailer, and inspected the gyrocraft before installing the main rotor blades. The witness then observed the pilot perform a preflight inspection. The pilot put on a helmet, started the engine and taxied to runway 28. The witness reported the gyrocraft crow hopped, or became airborne momentarily, and then landed and returned to the ramp. The pilot secured the engine and informed the witness that he had a problem with the main rotor blade. The witness observed the pilot remove the main rotor blades, adjust them, then reinstall them with the assistance of two individuals. The pilot restarted the engine and taxied to runway 28, and began the takeoff roll. The witness thought the pilot was going to do a crow hop again, but the flight continued climbing to between 50 and 100 feet, flying past his position. About 15 seconds later, the witness observed the gyrocraft bank to the left and began losing altitu
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the gyrocraft while maneuvering after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the gyrocraft with an inoperative right magneto.
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Browse: Puerto Rico
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
