# NTSB CEN20TA030: Rotary RAF 2000, N47EB, Omaha, NE, December 7, 2019 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Final report - Date: December 7, 2019, 13:55 local (18:55 UTC) - Place: Omaha, NE - Coordinates: 41.194721, -96.112503 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1947&lon=-96.1125&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 100664 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN20TA030 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/100664/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100664 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20TA030 ## Probable cause The pilot's loss of directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Experience/qualifications: recent experience](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031035): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Base ED RAF 2000, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031035/cases.md?model=05604ZM), [All aircraft, 76 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031035/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Base ED RAF 2000, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=05604ZM), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent rate](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Base ED RAF 2000, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037/cases.md?model=05604ZM), [All aircraft, 242 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062037/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Base ED RAF 2000, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=05604ZM), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Base ED RAF 2000, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=05604ZM), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090) (defining event); cases with it: [Base ED RAF 2000, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=05604ZM), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230); cases with it: [Base ED RAF 2000, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=05604ZM), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Windshear or thunderstorm](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/390); cases with it: [Base ED RAF 2000, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/390/sequence.md?model=05604ZM), [All aircraft, 224 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/390/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot was conducting takeoffs and landings in the gyroplane when the airplane encountered windshear just above the runway during landing. The gyroplane veered right, touched down in the grass, became airborne, then impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage. Another pilot reported that he also experienced windshear during the landing approach and saw that the pilot of the accident aircraft "appeared to be struggling to maintain control." The accident pilot reported that he had not flown the aircraft "in a while" and that the gusting wind conditions were the primary factor that resulted in his loss of control. Recorded wind conditions about the time of the accident included wind at 13 knots with gusts to 17 knots. ## Factual narrative On December 7, 2019, about 1355 central daylight time, a Rotary RAF 2000 rotorcraft-gyrocopter, N47EB, impacted terrain at the Millard Airport, Omaha, Nebraska. The pilot, sole occupant, received serious injuries, and the gyrocopter sustained substantial damage. The gyrocopter was operated by and registered to a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight. The responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the gyrocopter had impacted terrain near the parallel taxiway and came to rest on its side. A review of security camera video revealed the gyrocopter approached runway 12, then veered right towards the taxiway and a building, before gaining altitude. The gyrocopter then descended before making several oscillations in altitude above the taxiway. The gyrocopter impacted terrain next to the taxiway and rolled over several times before coming to a stop. In an interview with the FAA inspector, the pilot reported that he hadn't flown the gyrocopter in a while and planned on practicing takeoff and landings. The pilot stated he felt a "windshear" just above the runway, the aircraft then veered to the right, past the runway threshold. He was unable to regain directional control and the aircraft headed toward the taxiway, touched down in the grass median, then became airborne before crossing the taxiway. He added the aircraft then climbed toward the T-hangar area before he was able to regain directional control. He stated that he attempted to touch down again along the taxiway but was unsuccessful, and the aircraft became briefly airborne. He reported that he directed the aircraft toward the ground and caused the aircraft to roll right. The pilot stated that he thought the gusty wind conditions were the primary factor causing him to lose directional control, and there were no pre-impact mechanical problems with the aircraft. Several witnesses saw the accident. One witness, a flight instructor reported that he also experienced "windshear," while on approach to the runway. The instructor also stated that the rotorcraft pilot "appeared to be struggling to maintain control". A review of the wind conditions about the time of the accident revealed that the automated weather station recorded; wind from 190° at 13 knots gusting to 17 knots. A review of FAA records noted the accident pilot held a private certificate with rating for airplane, single-engine land. There was no record of him holding a rotorcraft-gyroplane rating. The pilot reported that he had about 231 hours of rotorcraft flight time. The accident aircraft was a Rotary RAF 2000 gyroplane, built from a kit, and was certified in the Experimental – Amateur Built category. The aircraft's operating limitations were dated December 15, 1997. The pilot reported that the annual inspection had been completed Thanksgiving week, but not logged. The gyrocopter wasnot equipped with a horizontal stabilizer, and a review of the maintenance records for the gyrocopter revealed the aircraft had accumulated a total of 232.1 hours. The United Kingdom's Civil Aircraft Authority conducted a test on the RAF 2000 gyrocopter and identified a potential issue when operating in turbulent or gusty wind conditions and issued MPD (Mandatory Permit Directive) 2003-001, with subsequent superseding MPD's. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N47EB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N47EB-2021-10-30), registration cancelled 2021-10-30, S/N H2-95-6-156, built 1997 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Rotary RAF 2000 (GTX) - Registry model: [Base ED RAF 2000](https://openairdocs.org/model/base-ed-raf-2000) (registry code 05604ZM) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Subaru ALL MDLS A/B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/subaru-all-mdls-a-b) (registry code 59050, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built - Serial number: H2-95-6-156 - Year built: 1997 - Engines: Subaru EJ-22 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: MLE, Omaha, NE - Destination: MLE, Omaha, NE - Airport: MLE, Millard Airport, runway 12, 3,801 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 87; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 190° at 13 knots, gusting 17 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: KMLE ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20191207017359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20191207017359A), Dec 7, 2019: Base Ed RAF 2000, Omaha, NE, Substantial damage. On 12/7/2019 N47EB, an raf 2000 gtx xe gyroplane, attempted to land on runway 12 at Millard Airport, Omaha Nebraska. During touchdown the aircraft was observed… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 31, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=100664. 3.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 904 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40481706&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Witness Statements (item 2, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40481707&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector's Statement (item 3, .PDF, 309 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40481708&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Maintenance Records (Excerpts) (item 4, .PDF, 235 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40481709&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Maintenance%20Records%20(Excerpts)-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (item 5, .PDF, 215 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40481710&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 6, .PDF, 215 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40481711&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF - CAA Mandatory Permit Directive (item 7, .PDF, 793 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40481712&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=CAA%20Mandatory%20Permit%20Directive-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.