# NTSB MIA88FA197: Kennedy Skycycle 2, N33KA, Orlando, FL, June 18, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1988, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Orlando, FL
- Coordinates: 28.459165, -81.389396 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.4592&lon=-81.3894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report September 19, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32024
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA88FA197
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32024/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88FA197

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - inadequate certification/approval,aircraft, company/operator mgmt
  - rotorcraft flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE GYROPLANE WAS ON A LOCAL DEMONSTRATION FLT. THE PASSENGER (PAX) STATED THE PLT TOOK OFF, CLIMBED TO APRX 500 FT AGL,DESCENDED TO APRX 20 FT AGL & MANEUVERED NEAR OBSERVERS. HE SAID THE PLT THEN ADDED POWER & INITIATED A 30 DEG CLIMB ATTITUDE. THE PAX REMEMBERED EXPERIENCING A NEGATIVE 'G' SENSATION & SAID THE PLT WAS MOVING THE STICK AROUND, TRYING TO FIND OUT 'WHERE THEY WERE.'  THE GYROPLANE THEN DESCENDED & STRUCK THE GROUND. AN EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE POWERPLANT, AIRFRAME OR FLT CONTROLS. THE PLT DID NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED ROTORCRAFT CATEGORY & GYROPLANE CLASS RATING. HIS MEDICAL CERTIFICATE REQUIRED HIM TO WEAR CORRECTING LENSES WHILE EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF HIS AIRMAN CERTIFICATE. ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE PLT WAS NOT WEARING GLASSES. THE GYROPLANE HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED AN AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATE BY THE FAA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N33KA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N33KA-2011-05-18), registration cancelled 2011-05-18, S/N 003 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: KENNEDY SKYCYCLE 2
- Registry model: [Kennedy SKYCYCLE 2](https://openairdocs.org/model/kennedy-skycycle-2) (registry code 13027JQ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 003
- Engines: ROTAX 532 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kennedy, Paul E
- Registered owner: Kennedy Aircraft Co., Inc.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCO, 12 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 19880618063739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880618063739A), Jun 18, 1988: Amtrka SKYCYCLE2, Orlando, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Abrupt nose up and loss of control resulted in fatal crash. Pilot not gyro rated but had considerable gyro time.

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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