Gyrocopter pilot safe after Lake LBJ crash
The pilot of a gyrocopter that crashed into Lake LBJ on Sunday, Sept. 19, was not injured, but the craft sank below the water’s surface.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the aircraft took off from a private air strip in Kingsland. The crash took place at about 11:30 a.m., shortly after take-off.
A boater picked up the pilot and took them to shore.
Several agencies responded to the call. The gyrocopter was located submerged in about 17-20 feet of water.
A gyrocopter looks like a helicopter but doesn’t use an engine to rotate the upper rotors. Instead, it typically uses a rear engine and rotor to propel the craft forward. As the gyrocopter moves forward, air passes through the upper rotary blades, creating lift.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will take over the investigation.