Gyrocopter Crashes During Takeoff At Sonoma County Airport: Report

PETALUMA, CA — A small recreational aircraft crashed during takeoff Wednesday evening at Petaluma Municipal Airport, sending emergency crews to the scene after the aircraft came to rest beside the runway.

The crash occurred at about 6:43 p.m. at the airport, 601 Sky Ranch Drive, according to the Petaluma Fire Department and airport officials.

Firefighters said the single-occupant gyroplane left the runway area during takeoff and came to rest just off the pavement.

The pilot was not injured, according to reports.

Airport officials confirmed the pilot was the only person aboard the aircraft. Crews later removed the gyrocopter from the runway area, according to reports.

Gyrocopters, also known as autogyros, differ from helicopters because their overhead rotor spins freely while a separate engine-driven propeller provides the propulsion.

Officials have not determined what caused the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have been notified and are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the takeoff accident, according to reports.

Petaluma Municipal Airport, located on Sky Ranch Drive east of downtown Petaluma, serves general aviation aircraft and flight training operations.