N298RWWhittridge Richard D TWINSTARR · 2006

On June 11, 2022, at 1540 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Twinstarr gyroplane, N298RW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Indian Trail, North Carolina. The private pilot received minor injuries. The gyroplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the 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 insure everything was functional and safe,” before the owner began training in the gyroplane. The pilot reported running the engine multiple times on the ground and completing multiple taxi tests to check the brakes and steering mechanism. The pilot 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 struck powerlines and subsequently impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail section, and main rotor.

The pilot reported that before the flight he had 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 (see figure). 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.

Figure. Photograph from the pilot of foreign debris blocking a majority of the fuel filter inlet.