20221219020519A

On 12/19/2022 at approximately 0930 MST, an amateur built Cavalon gyroplane prepared for takeoff at Benson Municipal Airport (E95). VMC conditions and calm to no winds prevailed at the time of the accident. Following engine run up, the pilot in command (PIC) departed the run up area and entered runway 10 for takeoff. As engine and propeller RPM approached takeoff roll parameters, approximately 100 feet before the 1000 foot mark, PIC stated that the nose suddenly dropped and slewed hard to the left and began to shake violently. PIC attempted to regain control through rudder pedal input but was unable to keep the aircraft under control and on the active runway. The aircraft departed the runway to the left at the 1000 foot mark and came to rest on it’s right side approximately 40 feet from the paved runway with substantial damage to its main rotor blade (mrb), mrb mast, propeller, stabilizer, and landing gear. Flight control continuity was verified during the post-accident examination of the aircraft. Manual rotation of the propeller revealed no indications of internal engine stoppage. Post-accident examination noted that the nose landing gear for was bent aft and to the right. There were no cracks or breakage of the nose landing gear fork noted during the examination. The point in the accident sequence at which the nose landing gear bent rearward could not be substantiated. A visual survey of the accident site and runway noted scarring of the asphalt at the 1000 foot mark indicating that the aircraft skidded off the runway to the left consistent with the pic’s statement. Also noted were 4 gouges in the asphalt consistent with mrb strikes. Damage to the mrb tips substantiate contact with the runway indicating a severe roll to the left during the accident sequence. The PIC stated that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was current with its required 12 month condition inspection.