# NTSB SEA97LA189: Rotz RAF 2000 GTX SE, N9155H, Olympia, WA, August 15, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 15, 1997, 11:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Olympia, WA
- Coordinates: 47.10033, -123.060668 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.1003&lon=-123.0607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 4, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42674
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA97LA189
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42674/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA189

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain adequate rotor rpm prior to takeoff.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - rotor rpm - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

During takeoff with a gyroplane, the pilot initiated the takeoff with a rotor speed of 150 rpm in order to expedite his takeoff for a landing airplane.  As the aircraft became airborne, it started a roll to the left and the rotor blades struck the ground.

## Factual narrative

On August 15, 1997, approximately 1130 Pacific daylight time, a Rotz RAF 2000 GTX SE homebuilt gyroplane, N9155H, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during takeoff from the Olympia airport at Olympia, WA.  The sole occupant received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the 14 CFR 91 flight.

The pilot reported that he had been cleared to takeoff from runway 17 and was starting a prerotation when the controller advised there was a LearJet on final and he would need to expedite his takeoff or clear the runway.  The pilot initiated the takeoff roll with a rotor speed of 150 RPM.  At 180 to 200 RPM the pilot disengaged the rotor and went to full power.  As the aircraft became airborne, it started a roll to the left at about 10 ft elevation and the rotor blades struck the ground.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9155H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9155H-2024-02-03), registration cancelled 2024-02-03, S/N H2-95-6-165 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROTZ RAF 2000 GTX SE (RAF 2000 G)
- Registry model: [Rotz Lynn E RAF 2000 GTX SE](https://openairdocs.org/model/rotz-lynn-e-raf-2000-gtx-se) (registry code 0560126) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: H2-95-6-165
- Airframe hours: 72
- Engines: Subaru LEGACY 130 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michael J. Clouse
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 15, 1997, 25 hours before
- Departed: OLM
- Airport: OLM, Olympia, runway 17, 5,419 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 153 total, 17 in this make and model, 108 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19970815045449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970815045449A), Aug 15, 1997: Amtr RAF2000, Olympia, WA, Substantial damage. (.4) During takeoff with a gyroplane, the pilot initiated the takeoff with a rotor speed of 150 RPM in order to expedite his takeoff for a landing airplane. As…

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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