This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.
https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N556GT
- History of Flight:
On July 29, 2026, at about 1845 local time, a privately-registered Gyro Technic GT-VX2 gyroplane, N556GT, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at Petaluma Municipal Airport (O69), Petaluma, California. The pilot suffered minor injuries.
The FAA reported that the gyro was hovering when it lost power and crashed. Local newspapers reported that the accident occurred on takeoff.
- Weather:
METAR KO69 300135Z AUTO 25007KT 9SM CLR 24/10 A2984 RMK A01
METAR KO69 300155Z AUTO 25009KT 9SM CLR 23/10 A2983 RMK A01
Someone should tell the FAA that gyroplanes can't "hover"...
ReplyDeleteGood point! Except for a short period of prerotation before starting the takeoff roll, the rotor is unpowered except for the air flowing UP through the blades (autorotation). So gyroplanes can't really "hover" the way helicopters do.
DeleteIf that fat old man in the photo is the "pilot", he should stay on the ground from now on.
ReplyDelete