# NTSB CHI87DER07: Air Command Unknown, Dodge Center, MN, May 16, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 15, 1987, 20:10 local (May 16, 1987, 01:10 UTC)
- Place: Dodge Center, MN
- Coordinates: 44.020286, -92.839942 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0203&lon=-92.8399&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13588
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87DER07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13588/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87DER07

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - rotor system - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

BEFORE FLT THE PILOT HAD STATED THAT HIS UNCERTIFIED AND UNREGISTERD GYROPLANE HAD A 'LOT OF BUGS TO WORK OUT'. AFTER T.O. AND FIVE MIN OF AIRWORK THE ACFT ENTERED A STEEP 90 DEGREE BANKED TURN AND THEN BEGAN TO TUMBLE. SHORTLY AFTER THE MAIN ROTOR SEPARATED. NO RECORD COULD BE FOUND OF TRAINING IN THIS TYPE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AIR COMMAND UNKNOWN
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Engines: ROTAX 447/3648630 40 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David P. Langr
- Departed: 87D, DODGE CENTER, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 227 total, 206 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RST, 18 nm away

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.

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