# NTSB LAX92LA218: Willis Homebuilt Gyrocopter, Adelanto, CA, May 25, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 24, 1992, 19:00 local (May 25, 1992, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Adelanto, CA
- Coordinates: 34.660232, -117.50946 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6602&lon=-117.5095&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 4, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27625
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA218
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27625/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA218

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF CONTROL FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - impairment(drugs), pilot in command
  - inadequate training, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE HOMEBUILT GYROCOPTER WAS OBSERVED BY TO ENTER A STEEP LOW LEVEL TURN OVER THE EL MIRAGE DRY LAKE AFTER MEETING AN APPROACHING MOTOR VEHICLE. THE WITNESS STATED THAT THE GYROCOPTER NOSED INTO THE DRY LAKE BED WHILE IN THE TURN. THE PILOT HAD BUILT THE GYROCOPTER FROM SALVAGE PARTS. HE HAD BEEN FLYING GYROCOPTERS SINCE HE WAS 15 YEARS OLD. HE HAD NOT RECEIVED FORMAL FLIGHT TRAINING IN THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT'S TOXICOLOGICAL EXAMINATION SHOWED 5.12 MG/L METHAMPHETAMINE AND 0.47 MG/L AMPHETAMINE IN THE HEART BLOOD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WILLIS HOMEBUILT GYROCOPTER (HOMEBUILT)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Willis, William E.
- Registered owner: Willis, William E.
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

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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