# NTSB SEA99LA021: Elliott RAF 2000, N797X, Walla Walla, WA, December 16, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 16, 1998, 11:31 local (19:31 UTC) - Place: Walla Walla, WA - Coordinates: 46.1095, -118.300292 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.1095&lon=-118.3003&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 11, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 45497 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA99LA021 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45497/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA021 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing. ## Analysis The pilot reported that he was practicing taxi tests after just installing repaired rotor blades and propeller. On his fourth high-speed run, the gyroplane lifted off to approximately 20 feet in altitude. The pilot stated that he closed the throttle and the gyroplane touched down on its tailwheel, then its main gear; while still moving forward with the front wheel elevated, a slight wind gust caused the gyroplane to veer to the right. The pilot stated that he instinctively pushed left rudder, noting that at such slow speed, the rudder is ineffective, however, it does turn the steerable nosewheel to the left. When back pressure was released on the stick, the nosewheel touched down in a left-turn direction, causing the aircraft to roll over due to the sudden turning action. ## Factual narrative On December 16, 1998, at 1131 Pacific standard time, a Elliot RAF 2000 gyroplane, N797X, sustained substantial damage during a hard landing at Walla Walla, Washington. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. There was no fire, and no report of an ELT actuating. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot reported that he was practicing taxi tests after just installing repaired rotor blades and propeller. On his fourth high-speed run, the gyroplane lifted off to approximately 20 feet in altitude. The pilot stated that he closed the throttle and the gyroplane touched down on its tailwheel, then its main gear. The pilot stated that while still moving forward with the front wheel elevated, a slight wind gust caused the gyroplane to veer to the right. The pilot stated that he instinctively pushed left rudder, noting that at such slow speed, the rudder is ineffective, however, it does turn the steerable nosewheel to the left. He stated that when back pressure was released on the stick, the nosewheel touched down in a left-turn direction, causing the aircraft to roll over due to the sudden turning action. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Aircraft - Registration: [N797X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N797X-2006-07-06), registration cancelled 2006-07-06, S/N H2-97-8-302, built 1998 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Elliott RAF 2000 - Registry model: [Elliott William B RAF 2000](https://openairdocs.org/model/elliott-william-b-raf-2000) (registry code 05605U5) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Subaru ALL MDLS A/B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/subaru-all-mdls-a-b) (registry code 59050, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Gyroplane, amateur-built - Serial number: H2-97-8-302 - Engines: Subaru EJ22 130 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: William B. Elliott - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: ALW - Airport: ALW, Walla Walla Regional, runway 34, 6,599 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 440 total, 14 in this make and model, 376 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 230° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: ALW ## 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 19981216033359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19981216033359A), Dec 16, 1998: Amtr RAF2000, Walla Walla, WA, Substantial damage. Acft crashed on rollout after descent from twenty foot hover. (.19) on December 16, 1998, at 1131 pacific standard time, a elliot raf 2000 gyroplane, N797X,… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- From OpenAirDocs.org, an independent open copy of NTSB and FAA data. The NTSB's own report is the official record of an investigation.