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Two dead after experimental gyroplane crashes in pasture

Posted 8/3/22

MELROSE – Two people died when their small gyroplane crashed and burned in a pasture on July 30.

According to the Floria Highway Patrol, the experimental aircraft crashed Saturday morning near …

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Two dead after experimental gyroplane crashes in pasture


Posted

MELROSE – Two people died when their small gyroplane crashed and burned in a pasture on July 30.

According to the Floria Highway Patrol, the experimental aircraft crashed Saturday morning near County Road 214 and Melrose Road after it “fell from the sky,” Lori Pelcher told Action News Jax.

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said it appeared the pilot steered the disabled helicopter away from a house before impact.

“In probably a last heroic moment, the person that was operating the gyrocopter crashed in between almost two buildings, a small barn type building and a house,” she said. “He was probably within 100 feet of the house.”

Both died at the scene, FHP said. The agency doesn’t release the identities of anyone involved in accidents.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.

A gyroplane, also known as an autogyro, is a type of rotorcraft that uses an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to develop lift. It uses an engine to create forward thrust.