# NTSB ERA17CA129: Kerns Kenneth H Kens Wingless Wonder, N7195R, Mount Airy, NC, March 12, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: March 12, 2017, 13:58 local (17:58 UTC) - Place: Mount Airy, NC - Coordinates: 36.456665, -80.552112 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4567&lon=-80.5521&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Flight control sys malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report September 7, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 94863 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA17CA129 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/94863/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94863 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17CA129 ## Probable cause 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. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Maintenance: modification/alteration](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030/cases.md?model=05902YH), [All aircraft, 69 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062030/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: yaw control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062024): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible (probable cause); cases with it: [Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062024/cases.md?model=05902YH), [All aircraft, 149 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062024/cases.md) - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=05902YH), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Preflight or dispatch event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030); cases with it: [Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?model=05902YH), [All aircraft, 355 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Flight control sys malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333) (defining event); cases with it: [Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md?model=05902YH), [All aircraft, 410 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=05902YH), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative The pilot, who was also the owner of the of amateur-built gyroplane stated he adjusted the prerotator motor pressure plate prior to 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. He further stated that due to his adjustment, it was likely that the prerotator did not disengage, resulting in increased right torque and the inability to control the gyroplane during takeoff. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7195R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7195R-2018-10-23), registration cancelled 2018-10-23, S/N 290163188-1 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: KERNS KENNETH H KENS WINGLESS WONDER (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Kerns Kenneth H KENS WINGLESS WONDER](https://openairdocs.org/model/kerns-kenneth-h-kens-wingless-wonder) (registry code 05902YH) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Gyroplane - Serial number: 290163188-1 - Engines: Subaru 2.5 165 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special light-sport (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, March 12, 2017 - Departed: MWK, Mount Airy, SC - Destination: MWK, Mount Airy, SC - Airport: MWK, Mount Airy/Surry County, runway 36, 4,301 × 75 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 54; injuries: minor; private; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review September 16, 2010; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 520 total, 24.2 in this make and model, 520 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 1 °F - Altimeter: 30.31 inHg - Observed at: KMWK ## 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 20170312005859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170312005859A), Mar 12, 2017: Kerns Kenneth H Raf 2000 KENS WINGLESS WONDER EJ22, Mt. Airy, NC, Destroyed. Aircraft accident involving Kerns kenneth h kens wingless wonder gyro copter at Mt. Airy airport kmwk, north carolina at 1350 local Sunday 12 March, 2017. This… ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 15, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94863. 2.0 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 955 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40455253&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 2, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40455254&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-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.