The pilot told investigators that the Twin Star gyroplane belonged to a friend who had recently purchased it. As the gyroplane’s new owner did not have any experience in a gyroplane, the pilot was going to “check over the machine and possibly do a short test flight to ensure everything was functional and safe,” before the owner began flight training.
The pilot reported running the engine multiple times on the ground at the airport in Indian Trail, North Carolina. He also completed multiple taxi tests to check the brakes and steering mechanism.
He was satisfied that everything appeared functional and the gyroplane was safe to attempt a flight. He planned to take off, climb to traffic pattern altitude, fly a traffic pattern, and land.
The pilot reported (and a video of the takeoff taken by a witness confirmed) that shortly after takeoff the engine sustained a total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but was unsuccessful.
The gyroplane hit powerlines and then hit the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail section, and main rotor. The pilot sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Before the flight the pilot added 5 gallons of fuel for a total amount of fuel onboard of 10 gallons. He reported that the fuel pump was “running,” and the magnetos were in the on position when the loss of power occurred.
Three days after the accident the pilot returned to the wreckage to check the fuel system and found a large piece of debris blocking a majority of the fuel filter inlet.
Another larger piece of debris that was similar in color and texture was found in the fuel tank underneath the fuel quantity sending unit. Photographs showed that the large piece of debris in the fuel tank and the piece of debris found in the fuel filter inlet appeared consistent with silicone sealant residue found on the fuel quantity sending unit.
Probable Cause: A blockage of the fuel filter inlet by a piece of debris, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power.
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This June 2022 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
My Cessna doesn’t have any screen at the tank. The gascolator and carburetor have screens to catch particles.
But, a ‘chunk’ of stuff this big would clog the fuel selector valve, so no fuel flow.
The maint. manual cautions on using sealant anywhere.
‘Globbing;’ it on the baffles is ok as long as it doesn’t get into the cylinder fins.!
With a proper finger screen in the fuel tank outlet, this accident likely would never have occurred!