Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER N7195R

Summary

On 12 March 2017 at about 17:58 local time, a Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER registered N7195R was involved in an accident near Mount Airy, North Carolina, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 March 2017 at 17:58

Classification

Accident

Location

Mount Airy, North Carolina, United States

Nearest airport

Mount Airy/Surry County (MWK)

Coordinates

36.4567, -80.5521

Aircraft

Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER

Registration

N7195R

Category

Gyrocraft

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Mount Airy → Mount Airy

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA17CA129

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot’s improper adjustment of the prerotator motor, which resulted in its failure to disengage and the subsequent loss of aircraft control during takeoff.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot, who was also the owner of the of amateur-built gyroplane, stated that he adjusted the prerotator motor pressure plate before the flight by moving it closer to the clutch to improve rpm. During takeoff, the gyroplane rolled right, and he was unable to maintain control. The gyroplane subsequently impacted the ground and cartwheeled, which resulted in substantial damage to the rotor, mast, and cabin. The pilot further stated that, due to his adjustment, it was likely that the prerotator did not disengage, which resulted in increased right torque and the inability to control the gyroplane during takeoff.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.