# NTSB IAD00LA013: Rogers RAF 2000, N78ME, Franklin, NY, December 12, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 12, 1999, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC) - Place: Franklin, NY - Coordinates: 42.340881, -75.160217 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3409&lon=-75.1602&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report May 17, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 48341 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD00LA013 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48341/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD00LA013 ## Probable cause was the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff due to inadequate rotor rpm. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - tree(s) - rotor rpm - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot of the homebuilt gyrocopter stated the purpose of the flight was to do a reconnaissance of the grass strip, land, and perform a takeoff. He said that prior to departing for the strip, he advised a friend of his intentions, and asked the friend to come look for him if he did not return by a specified time. After walking and then taxiing the length of the field, the pilot attempted the takeoff. At the end of the takeoff roll, the gyrocopter indicated inadequate rotor rpm for takeoff, but the pilot elected to continue. The gyrocopter collided with a stonewall and tree stumps at the departure end of the field. The pilot said, 'I hate to use the phrase, but it was pilot error.' ## Factual narrative On December 12, 1999, at 1130 Eastern Standard Time, a homebuilt RAF 2000 gyrocopter, N78ME, was substantially damaged from collision with tree stumps and a stone wall during takeoff from a private grass strip in Franklin, New York. The certificated commercial pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a telephone interview, the pilot stated the purpose of the flight was to do a reconnaissance of the grass strip, land, and perform a takeoff. He said that prior to departing for the strip, he advised a friend of his intentions, and asked the friend to come look for him if he did not return by a specified time. The pilot said he landed on the strip, walked its length, and determined he could complete a safe takeoff. He said he completed one run down the strip and then taxied back for takeoff. He said: "I think I have approximately 70 hours in that model. I had been practicing for about 15 to 20 hours on grass. That was either the first or second unimproved runway that I had used. I landed, walked it, and figured I could make it. The machine did what it was supposed to; I just did it at the wrong time. I did not have adequate rotor rpm to clear the obstacles." Examination of photographs revealed the gyrocopter struck freshly cut tree stumps and a stone wall at the departure end of the strip. According to the pilot: "You apply the pre-rotator [clutch] and at 150 rotor rpm, you start easing on the power, your stick is back, and you start your ground roll. At 200 rpm, you release the pre-rotator and go full throttle." The pilot said that at the end of the ground run, the rotor rpm was approximately 190-195. He said he chose to continue at the lower rpm instead of aborting the takeoff. The pilot said: "It had been flying fine. Why I didn't handle it right, I don't know. I hate to use the phrase, but it was pilot error." The pilot reported approximately 4,700 hours of flight experience, 70 hours of which were in make and model. Weather reported at the time of the accident was clear skies with no wind. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N78ME](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N78ME-2005-12-02), registration cancelled 2005-12-02, S/N H2-97-8-289, built 1999 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Rogers RAF 2000 - Registry model: [Rogers Mark C RAF 2000 GTX SE](https://openairdocs.org/model/rogers-mark-c-raf-2000-gtx-se) (registry code 056069Y) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Subaru ALL MDLS A/B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/subaru-all-mdls-a-b) (registry code 59050, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Unknown, amateur-built - Serial number: H2978289 - Engines: Subaru EJ 22 130 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Mark C. Rogers - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, October 3, 1999, 14 hours before - Departed: NONE - Destination: OIC, NORWICH, NY - Airport: NONE ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,183 total, 60 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 28 °F, dew point 25 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: BGM, 35 nm away ## 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 19991212046819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19991212046819A), Dec 12, 1999: Amtr RAF2000GTXSE, Nowata, OK, No damage. (-23)Pilot attempted to take-off from a grass field near franklin, NY. On the second attempt, the pilot continued the take-off with insuffiecient main rotor… 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.