Alltrikes

By Larry Hughes

Scott (Skyman) Adair was killed in a tragic accident at Valkaria (X59) Airport on 29 April 2013 at approximately 0745EST.

Scott held the Sport Pilot license with a current (6 days old) gyro endorsement and received instruction from several well-respected CFIs and pilots. He had likely hundreds of PPG hours and is universally agreed to be a safe conscious, methodical pilot. I have flown with him in his 2-seat PPG and he was a considerate, cautious pilot.

Scott's aircraft, N85KY, was a single seat 582 Dominator with a very recent conditional inspection. Tall tail with horizontal stabilizer.

I personally carefully inspected the aircraft on Saturday, 27 April, as I intended to test fly it for him when the weather permitted. It was absolutely flight worthy and although an early model Dom, was virtually identical to mine. A hang test was done with pilot, kit, and 1/2 tank of fuel and it was dead center of Dom mast orientation specifications.

I have been interviewed by the local police, sheriff, coroner, and the FAA. Mike is working with the NTSB. At this time there is no indication of a mechanical failure.

There was a witness, a fw CFI and helicopter pilot, and there is a video but it is unlikely to reveal much due to distance.

Apparently Scott decided to progress from balancing on the mains to first flight. The winds were 10-15. I am not aware of any crow hops. There were no gyro personnel in the area at the time. Although Scott has a radio, there is no indication that he was in audio contact with a ground observer.

Scott reportedly made a rather lengthy (1,000') takeoff and a circuit of the patch. The flight was described as appearing "uncomfortable". Following several up/down cycles at low ground speed (10mph), Scott nosed over from a height of 100 to 150'AGL to an area just off the active. Following impact, the gyro slid into a parked fixed wing, striking the prop and wing spar. Both aircraft are likely total losses. I feel, hope, that Scott died on the initial impact with the tarmac.

In summary, first flight of the gyro in Scott's ownership with a fresh 582 installation, first solo by a new gyro pilot, no qualified ground observer.
As we all wish to learn, I will share information as it emerges.

If you feel you must speak on this topic, please be gentle. I consider Scott to be among my closest of friends and feel his loss deeply.

Larry Hughes
582 Blue Head Dominator, pull start, 2.62:1 'C' box, coilovers, 60" Warp, 23' DWs
PRA Member, Sunstate Wing & Rotor Club, EAA Chapter 1288 X59