Please note that Pre 2020 gyrocopter accidents are now on the page link shown on the top right of this page.
LATEST HERE
2024
7th Oct 24 - Oroville, California - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N726CA - The FAA ASIAS states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS AND CAME TO REST ON RIGHT SIDE IN A RESIDENTIAL FRONT YARD, OROVILLE, CA." - injury listed as serious.
27th August 2024 - Stevensville airport, Maryland, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N914RB - The FAA ASIAS states "AIRCRAFT LANDED AND FLIPPED OVER ON ITS SIDE, STEVENSVILLE, MD. - during landing"
August 4th 2024 - Near Napoleon airport ( 3NP ), Michigan, USA - N140DG - Degraw De Bird gyro - Fatal Accident - News reports refer to a gyrocopter accident killing an 83 year old pilot.
26th June 2024 - Stalowa Wola airfield ( EPST ), Poland - Celier Xenon 2 - 57-BJA ( French Dept ) - The PKBWL report that the Xenon gyrocopter had a take off accident and rolled left - the two on board had minor injuries.
2nd or 3rd April 2024 - Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia - TAG Explorer amphibian - G-8828 - News reports state that the amphibious gyrocopter crashed whilst trying to take off at Lake Macquarie. The gyro is said to have cartwheeled over its nose. The pilot and passenger were rescued.
News report link below
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-03/gyrocopter-crash-lake-macquarie-marmong-point/103662286
17-3-24 - Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N485NK - The FAA ASIAS states "AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED ENGINE ISSUES AND LANDED IN A FIELD, KENOSHA, WI."
17th January 24 - Yuma, Arizona, USA - ELA 10 Eclipse - N70WP - The FAA ASIAS states "AIRCRAFT ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF ROLLED OVER ONTO ITS SIDE, YUMA, AZ."
2023
Dec 30th 2023 - Tea, South Dakota, USA - Magni M24 Orion - N648CM - The FAA ASIAS states "AIRCRAFT PROPELLER HAD BROKEN FROM THE 4-BLADE SYSTEM, TEA. SD." - believed to be one blade of a four bladed DUC propeller, after breakage significant in flight vibration
13th December 2023 - Stevensville airport, Maryland, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N279AT - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND."
17-11-23 - Yuma airport, Arizona - ELA 10 Eclipse - N82TK- The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT WAS HIT BY A DUST DEVIL AND DEPARTED THE PREPARED SURFACE STRIKING A SIGN, YUMA, ARIZONA. - flight phase taxying"
November-5th 23 - Goulburn Weir, Nagambie, Victoria, Australia - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - Fatal accident - The gyrocopter crashed onto open grasslands killing the pilot and injuring the passenger.
Link to ABC News report of gyrocopter accident at Goulburn Weir
Oct 21st-2023 - Omaka airfield, Blenheim, New Zealand - Sport Copter Vortex M912 - ZK-RDX - Fatal accident - Local news reports the pilot of a gyrocopter was killed in an accident and post crash fire at Omaka airfield
Link to news report of gyrocopter accident at Omaka NZ
Oct-17th-2023 - 8km east of Chanco del Maule, Chile, South America - ELA 10 Eclipse - CC-DDW - Fatal accident - A statement from the DGAC Chile reports a fatal gyrocopter accident - a photo shows the wreck of a ELA 10 Eclipse gyro embeded into a stationary truck beside a hangar.
16th - October - 2023 - Mount Sterling airport, Illinois, USA - Magni M24 Orion - N90HM - The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "GYROCOPTER LOST POWER ON DOWNWIND AND CRASHED 100 FEET WEST OF THE RUNWAY, MOUNT STERLING, ILLINOIS."
Update - the NTSB Preliminary report states "On October 16, 2023, about 1315 central daylight time, a Magni M24 gyroplane, N90HM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mount Sterling, Illinois. Both the pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The gyroplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to preliminary information, the experimental gyroplane was on downwind for runway 36 at the Mount Sterling Municipal Airport (I63), when the engine sustained a total loss power. The pilot did not have sufficient time to attempt an engine restart and performed a forced landing to a flat grass field. During the forced landing, the gyroplane rolled over and sustained substantial damage to the rotor system, left horizontal, and vertical stabilizer. During the recovery of the gyroplane, the smell of automotive fuel was present with soil discoloration around the area of the fuel cap. The gyroplane was equipped with a Rotax 914 UL reciprocating engine. The gyroplane was retained for further examination. "
October-13th 2023 - Easton airfield ( KESN ), Maryland, USA - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - N975CD - The FAA ASIAS initial summary says "AIRCRAFT CRASHED WHILE DEPARTING FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, EASTON, MD." - pilot injury listed as serious and damage as substantial. This is a type certified MTOsport, newly registered in August 2023 with S/N RSUK-M01994
Update - The NTSB Preliminary states "On October 13, 2023, at 1300 eastern daylight time, a Rotorsport Uk Ltd Mtosport 2017
gyroplane, N975CD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Easton
Airport/Newman Field (ESN), Easton, Maryland. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane
was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot was a former military helicopter pilot and had stopped flying for about 18 years. He
recently returned to flying and decided that a gyroplane was the easiest and most economical
transition. The pilot conducted gyroplane training in the Mtsoport 2017 from a local distributor
(who was also a flight instructor) and then purchased a new gyroplane directly from the
factory. The gyroplane was delivered in September 2023.
Before the pilot took delivery of the gyroplane, he conducted two flights with the flight
instructor/distributor for a total of about 1 hour of dual instruction. The pilot said the gyroplane
flew “beautifully…like a Ferrari.” He took official delivery of the gyroplane and then decided to
fly the gyroplane to his home in Virginia that same day.
The pilot said that before he departed, he performed the abbreviated preflight checklist, which
included checking the flight controls, and found no issues. He then started the gyroplane and
taxied to the active runway, where he performed the before-takeoff checklist. There were no
issues with the flight controls during the taxi or take-off check.
The pilot then departed runway 4. He said he pre-rotated to 200 rpm and the gyroplane began
to roll forward. Once he got “wheel balance”, he increased rpm, and the gyroplane lifted off the
ground. When the gyroplane was about 5 ft above the runway, it made an uncommanded 30°
yaw to the right. He tried to correct with full left pedal, but there was no response. The pilot
said his only option was to reject the takeoff. He reduced power, pushed the nose forward,
then pulled the controls back in an attempt to make a soft landing. The pilot stated that the
main rotor blades flapped, and that he could not recall if the gyroplane then rolled left or right
before it “dropped” vertically about 15-20 ft to the ground. After the gyroplane came to a stop,
the pilot manually turned off the engine.
The pilot did not know why the gyroplane yawed but recalled that the control stick stayed in his
hand, and he felt no feedback in the rudder pedals. He further stated that there were no birds in
the vicinity and the wind was calm.
A postaccident examination of the gyroplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
aviation safety inspector found no preaccident discrepancies or mechanical malfunctions that
would have precluded normal operation of the flight controls."
Ref Accident Number: ERA24LA008
9th Oct 23 - Laacher See, near Mendig, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - registration unknown - Fatal accident - the gyrocopter crashed into the Laacher See lake. The passenger survived but the pilot was killed. The wreckage of the red MTOsport was recovered by divers from a depth of 37m.
News link to gyrocopter accident in Minnesota 7.10.23
Update - the NTSB Preliminary report states ""On October 8, 2023, about 1640 central daylight time, an experimental Gyro Technic GT-VX2 gyroplane, N557LJ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Saint Peter, Minnesota. The pilot was fatally injured. The gyroplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot departed from Mankato Regional Airport (MKT), Mankato, Minnesota, about 1400 as a flight of two gyroplanes. After the departure from MKT, the two gyroplanes continued to Le Sueur Municipal Airport (12Y), Le Sueur, Minnesota, and completed multiple landings in the traffic pattern. The second pilot reported that after leaving 12Y, the two gyroplanes followed a river valley at low level. As the flight of two approached a bridge, the second pilot climbed his gyroplane, and the accident pilot remained at a lower altitude after passing over the bridge. The second pilot noticed “flashing” below him and observed the accident gyroplane splash into the river. A witness reported observing the accident gyroplane fly directly into powerlines, flip upside down, and fall inverted into the river."
2nd October-23 - Morlaix airfield, Brittany ( Dept 29 ), France - Magni M16 - Dept Registration 29-SR - Fatal accident - A statement from the French BEA states "Local flight Morlaix AD - On landing on the grass runway, the gyroplane flipped over and lay on its side." - the 64 year old pilot died in the accident.
September-30th 2023 - River Marne at Mardeuil, Near Epernay, France - Auto-Gyro Calidus - Dept Reg 02-AHO - Fatal accident - A statement from the French BEA says "The pilot indicates that during his approach to make a precautionary landing, the gyroplane hit a high voltage line then collided with the surface of the Marne." - the pilot was killed, the passenger was rescued with injuries.
September-18th-23 - Kiltinney airstrip, Londonderry, Northern Ireland - Auto-Gyro Calidus - G-GRYN - The UK AAIB summary states "During takeoff from a narrow runway with a crosswind the aircraft departed the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff, the right mainwheel settled in boggy ground and the aircraft toppled over onto its right side."
16th-Sept-2023 - Near Selby, Yorkshire, UK - gyrocopter type unknown - gyro registration unknown - Media reports says the gyrocopter crashed into the Aire and Calder Navigation at Great Heck, near Selby having taken off from a nearby garden. The pilot said to be in his 70's was uninjured.
Link to BBC News with more about the gyrocopter accident near Selby
Sept 4th 2023 - Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA - TAG Titanium Explorer - N467TE - The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "AIRCRAFT DURING DEPARTURE, DID NOT MAKE CLIMB OUT SPEED AND TRIED TO TURN AND MAKE THE TAXIWAY BUT IMPACTED THE GROUND, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO."
August 12th 2023 - Near Allworth, New South Wales, Australia - Homebuilt two seater gyrocopter - G-2468 - Fatal accident - The ATSB is assisting with the examination of wreckage components and states "On 12 August 2023, a homebuilt gyrocopter, registration G-2468, collided with terrain near Allworth, New South Wales, resulting in fatal injuries to the instructor pilot and serious injuries to the student pilot.
29th July 23 - Oshkosh airport, Wisconsin, USA - ELA 10 Eclipse - N221EL - Serious middair accident - The NTSB Preliminary report states "On July 29, 2023, about 1227 central daylight time, a Rotorway 162F helicopter, N193AZ, and an ELA Eclipse 10 gyroplane, N221EL, were involved in a midair collision near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The helicopter was destroyed, and the pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The gyroplane was destroyed; the pilot and passenger received serious injuries. Both aircraft were operated as Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flights. According to multiple videos and witness accounts, the gyroplane was approaching the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Ultralight/Homebuilt Rotorcraft runway from the south on the base leg when it executed a left 360° turn. The helicopter, which was positioned behind the gyroplane in the traffic pattern, was also approaching the runway on the base leg from the south following the north/south paved road. About 250 ft above ground level, the gyroplane impacted the left side of the helicopter."
After the middair collision the ELA 10 Eclipse fell to earth and landed on top of a parked aircraft - see NTSB photo below
July-16th-2023 - Eaglescott airfield, Devon, UK - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - G-CEYR - the UK AAIB summary states "The student pilot had just touched the gyroplane down after some solo circuits; the wind was reported as 12 kt on the runway heading but varying slightly from left to right. After touchdown, the pilot moved the stick forward and slightly left (into wind) while the rotors were still turning but the gyroplane “felt out of control” and rolled over onto its side. The pilot stated that the accident would have been avoided if the stick had been held back until the rotors had stopped and then pushed forward."
July 11th-2023 - Mineral Point, Potosi, Missouri, USA - N123PS - Magni M24 Orion - The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN A FIELD UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, POTOSI, MO."- a media photo shows the gyrocopter on its side in a grass field with rotor blade damage.
Update - The NTSB Preliminary report states "According to information provided by the pilot, while in the downwind traffic pattern at the Washington County Airport (8WC), Mineral Point, Missouri, he heard a noise from the rear of the gyroplane. The engine experienced a complete loss of engine power, and he performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the gyroplane touched down hard, bounced, and
rolled on its right side. The gyroplane was retained for further examination. "
15th June 23 - Aruvalla, Estonia - Fly Argo Xenon IV - ES-GXA - Fatal Accident - Local news reports say the gyrocopter crashed from a height of 50-70m. The 60 year old pilot was killed in the crash.
Local news link to fatal gyrocopter accident in Estonia 15.6.23
Photo of accident ES-GXA from Estonia accident report
13-6-23 - Beecles airfield, Suffolk, UK - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - G-CGDC - The UK AAIB summary states "During landing the aircraft rolled to the right and slid to a halt on its side. The pilot could not recall whether the aircraft bounced on first touchdown or whether the left landing gear just lifted from the ground. The pilot exited with only minor injuries."
June-10-23 - Venice airport, Florida, USA - N49PF - Magni M24 Orion - The FAA initial summary states "AIRCRAFT PERFORMING TOUCH AND GO'S, VEERED OFF RUNWAY AND WENT INTO A FENCE, VENICE, FL." media phots show the gyrocopter embedded in the perimeter chain fence with extensive damage.
Update - The NTSB Preliminary report states "On June 10, 2023, at 1303 eastern daylight time, a Fly Gyros LLC M24 Orion gyrocopter, N49PF, was involved in an accident at the Venice Municipal Airport (VNC), Venice, Florida. The private pilot was seriously injured. The flight was conducted as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector, the gyrocopter impacted a chain-link fence while attempting to takeoff, which resulted in substantial damage. The gyroplane wreckage was retained for further investigation"
May 25th-2023 - Near Wolverhampton airport, UK - Campbell Cricket - G-AXVM - The UK AAIB summary states "The engine cut out at around 1,400 ft. During the subsequent forced landing in a field the rotor blades suffered damage."
18th-May-2023 - Near Novoti, Slovakia - Jokertrike Nisus - OM-M199 - Fatal accident into dense woods - the gyro was on a flight from Slovakia to Bielsko-Biala, Poland but failed to arrive. An extensive search on both sides of the border resulted in the wreckage being found in Slovakia on the 19th May - the pilot was killed in the accident.
12th May 2023 - Lake Macquarie airport, New South Wales, Australia - Magni M16 - G-1850 - The ATSB is now investigating this accident - their initial summary says "The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving a Magni M16C Tandem gyroplane, registered G1850, at Lake Macquarie Airport, New South Wales, on 12 May 2023.
A Magni M16C Tandem gyroplane, with an instructor pilot and student pilot on-board, commenced take-off from runway 07. As the gyroplane became airborne, the instructor pilot saw an Extra EA 300L aircraft, registered VH-IOG, with a pilot and passenger on-board, backtracking towards them on runway 07. The instructor pilot took evasive action to avoid a collision, and the gyroplane subsequently collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage. The instructor pilot received serious injuries while the student pilot had minor injuries. The pilot and passenger on-board VH-IOG were uninjured and there was no damage to the aircraft.
The evidence collection phase of the investigation will include collection of relevant information, including recorded data, weather observations, pilot and witness reports, and radio calls.""
March 25th 2023 - Gainesville, Georgia, USA - Silverlight AR-1 - N47AR - Fatal Accident - News reports suggests the gyro hit powerlines and crashed killing the pilot.
2022
4th-Dec 22 - Beverley regional airport, Massachusetts, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N401GR - Fatal - News reports say the gyrocopter was taking off when it crashed. The pilot was taken to hospital but subsequently died of his injuries.
The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "AIRCRAFT GYROCOPTER, WHILE DEPARTING FOR TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED FOR UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES."
Update - The NTSB Preliminary report states - "The sport pilot, who was also the owner of the gyroplane, had acquired his sport certificate about 6 months prior to the accident. At the time of the accident he had accumulated about 120 total hours of flight experience, all of which were in the gyroplane. The pilot had just received his gyroplane back after about 3 months in maintenance and according to witnesses, he had not flown during that period. On the day of the accident, the pilot was planning to take a local flight; after engine start, he taxied from his hanger to runway 34 where BVY air traffic controllers cleared him for takeoff. Security camera video showed that the main rotor blades of the gyroplane were spinning during taxi. The gyroplane taxied to runway 34 and began the takeoff; no anomalous behavior or irregularity was observed by witnesses or on the video during taxi or the takeoff roll. During initial climb, the security video showed the gyroplane climb to an altitude of about 40 feet above the ground where it leveled off briefly, then resumed a shallow climb while remaining in a significant left yaw. As the gyroplane continued to climb, it began to roll to the right.
The gyroplane completed one full 360° roll as it descended and impacted the runway on its right front side before skidding about 140 ft into the grass off the right side of the runway. The rotor head containing both blades was separated from the mast and was found about 50 ft from the main wreckage. Debris and wreckage were distributed along a wreckage path from the point of impact to the where the fuselage came to rest. The fuselage on the right cockpit side was crushed upwards into the cockpit. The engine remained intact and was operating at nearly full power for about 2 minutes after the accident, until fire rescue personnel were able to shut down the engine. Cursory examination of the engine did not reveal evidence of any pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures. Two electronic flight displays with recording capability were retained and sent to the NTSB recorders laboratory for download. The gyrocopter was retained for further examination."
November-30 22 - Brakpan North, Gauteng, South Africa - ZU-DYV - ELA 08 - The gyrocopter with two on board made an emergency landing onto a dirt road - photos show the gyro on its left side with significant damage to the rotor blades, propeller and engine.
News link to gyrocopter accident at Brakpan South Africa
26.11..22 - Suches, Georgia, USA - Magni M24 - N728RJ - The FAA ASIAS states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO A FIELD, SUCHES, GA." - injuries unknown, damage unknown, flight phase unknown -
22 Novemb 2022 - Near Waco, Texas, USA - David Seace Experimental Gyro - N44088 - The FAA ASIAS summary states - "AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO FIELD ON PRIVATE RANCH STRIKING A POWERLINE, WACO, TX." - injuries listed as minor - damage unknown - flight phase unknown
8th-Oct-22 - Saint-Élix-le-Château, Haute-Garonne, France - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - Fatal - the pilot and passenger were killed in the accident. The gyrocopter is believed to have departed from the airfield at Bois de la Pierre.
25th-Sept- 2022 - Wallagoot Beach, Tathra, New South Wales, Australia - unknown gyrocopter type ( open tandem ) - unknown registration - The gyrocopter ditched into the sea close to the shoreline whilst trying to warn surfers of a nearby shark. The pilot and passenger escaped with minor injuries.
News link to gyrocopter accident on beach 2022
27-9-22 - near Chan Gurney Municipal Airport, Yankton, South Dakota, USA - Air Gyro 915 Spartan - N499AG - Fatal - The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES AND APPEARED TO BE ON FIRE WHILE DESCENDING AND BURNED ON IMPACT, YANKTON, SD" flight phase listed as initial climb - local media news reports show the wreckage badly burnt.
News link to Airgyro AG-915 Spartan accident in South Dakota
Update - The NTSB Preliminary report states - "On September 27, 2022, about 1030 central daylight time, an Airgyro AG915 Spartan gyrocopter, N499AG, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Yankton, South Dakota. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The gyrocopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The gyrocopter was based out of a hangar at the Chan Gurney Municipal Airport (YKN),Yankton, South Dakota. The gyrocopter departed from runway 31 at YKN and traveled to the northwest. Shortly after the takeoff, the gyrocopter impacted a flat grass field on private property. The accident site, about 1,350 ft above msl, was located about 2.3 nm northwest from the departure end of runway 31.
A postimpact fire consumed the composite airframe. The wreckage was recovered from the accident site for further examination.
According to maintenance records, the pilot was the builder of the gyrocopter, and it was manufactured in August 2022. As a repairman, the pilot performed maintenance work on the gyrocopter several days prior to the accident. The maintenance records showed that at the last work entry on September 24, 2022, the gyrocopter had accumulated 37.8 flight hours. The gyrocopter was equipped with a Rotax Aircraft Engines 915 series engine."
18th-September-2022 - near Moriarty, New Mexico, USA - Air Gyro 915 - N895J - The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "AIRCRAFT LOST POWER AND MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A FIELD, MORIARTY, NM.
11-9-22 - Jasper, Georgia, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N451AG - The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "AIRCRAFT ON LANDING, ROLLED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS AND CAME TO REST ON SIDE, JASPER, GA." flight phase landing - injuries none - damage unknown
September 3rd 22 - Brackett Field airport, La Verne, California, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N452AG - Local news media report the Calidus tipped over whilst taxying after landing on the runway at Brackett Field, news photo shows the gyrocopter laying on its right side in the centre of a wide runway. The pilot is said to have minor injuries.
Photo courtesy Verne Fire Dept
30th-7-2022 - Melrose, Clay County, Florida, USA - Tango Gyro Tango 2 - N8680G - Fatal - local news reports two killed as a gyroplane crashed into a grass field and caught fire
The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES AT THE INTERSECTION OF TWO ROADS, MELROSE, FL" flight phase en route
TV News link below
June 21st 22 - Whakatane airport, North Island, New Zealand - unknown gyrocopter - unknown registration - Local media report the gyrocopter crashed mid morning with one person on board.
13th June 22 - Indian Trial, North Carolina, USA - TwinStar - N298RW - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT IMPACTED A POWERLINE AND LANDED IN A DITCH OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY, INDIAN TRAIL, NC." injury none, damage unknown, flight phase take off
11-6-2022 - Butler, Pennsylvania, USA - Silverlight AR-1 - N688G - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT DURING DEPARTURE EXPERIENCED BLADE FLAP CAUSING THE MAIN ROTOR TO STRIKE THE PROPELLER AND TAIL, BUTLER, PA." - injury none - damage substantial - flight phase take off
May-22nd-22 - Cape Giradeau, Missouri, USA - Magni M24 Orion - N590DM - Fatal - The FAA ASIAS initial summary states - "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES 200 FEET OFF RUNWAY, CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO." flight phase shown as landing - the pilot was killed. Some media reports suggests the gyrocopter was returning to landing shortly after departing to go en route.
April-23rd-22 - Hendersonville, North Carolina, USA - Gyrobee - N396GN - The FAA ASIAS report states, " AIRCRAFT LANDED, LEFT LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AND ROLLED ON ITS SIDE, HENDERSONVILLE, NC." - flight phase landing, injuries listed as serious, damage to gyro unknown
14-4-2022 - Walczyk airstrip, Poland - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - SP-XCWA - The gyrocopter veered left on take off, left the runway and nearby hit trees - written off.
March 23rd 2022 - Lubbock, Texas, USA - Groen Brothers Sparrow Hawk III - N430HS - The FAA ASIAS report states - "AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A GUST OF WIND DURING ROLL OUT FOR DEPARTURE AND CRASHED, LUBBOCK, TX." - injury none - damage substantial
23rd March_22 - San Gabriel Valley airport, El Monte, California, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N1688B - The gyrocopter crashed during landing, ending up lying on its port side with damage to the rudder fin tip and rotor blades.
The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "AIRCRAFT MADE A HARD LANDING FOLLOWED BY ROTOR STRIKE AND ROLLED ON ITS SIDE, EL MONTE, CA."
18th March 2022 - Spanish Point airfield, Eire - ELA 07S - EI-FSR - The AAIU initial summary states "Gyroplane rollover on take off"- investigation ongoing
18.3.22 - Shobdon airfield, England, UK - Auto-Gyro Calidus - G-TGLG - Local news reports an accident on landing, the gyrocopter appears to have tipped over with damage to blades, propeller, canopy and undercarriage.
Update - an extract from the UK AAIB report states "After the fourth circuit they planned to land, stop, then commence another takeoff. The approach and landing were good and the gyroplane came to a stop on the runway. The student then advanced the throttle to commence another takeoff. However, as the gyroplane accelerated along the runway the instructor realised that the student had allowed the stick to move too far forward and the rotor speed was not increasing. He instructed the student
to abort the takeoff, telling him to reduce power and put the stick forward. However, the student pulled the throttle and stick back together causing the gyroplane to pitch-up sharply. Both occupants described the stick shaking violently and the gyroplane instantly rolling to the left."
March 8th-22 - Plaine de Barbein, Guillestre, Mont-Dauphin, Hautes Alpes, France - DTA J-RO - Dept 05-OQ - Fatal, shortly after take off from Mont-Dauphin - St-Crépin airfield ( LFNC ) the gyrocopter crashed and caught fire, killing the pilot.
2nd-March-2022 - Messigny et Vantoux, France - Magni M16 - Dept 21-AGP - Fatal accident - no more details known
20th Febr 2022 - Saratosa, Florida, USA - Silverlight AR-1C - N65PC - The FAA ASIAS report states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN THE GRASS FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, SARASOTA, FL."
January 28th 2022 - Feilding airfield, near Palmerston North, North Island, New Zealand - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - Media reports say the gyrocopter made a crash landing at the airfield and caught fire - both on board were rescued just prior to an intense fire.
Local news report for gyrocopter accident at Feilding NZ
2021
31st Dec 2021 - State Highway 5, near Tarawera, North Island, New Zealand - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - The gyrocopter made an emergency landing on State Highway 5 and ended up in a ditch - local news reports the pilot is uninjured but the gyrocopter is badly damage.
5-12-21 - Poldat area near Hingol National Park, Awaran area, Balochistan, Pakistan - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - Fatal - The gyrocopter departed the Karachi area and crashed high in a mountainous region.
Dec 2nd 2021 - Lakeport, Lake County, California - Sportcopter Vortex - N425RD - Fatal - the gyrocopter crashed approx 1 mile from the lake shore among tall marshy tules grass killing the pilot.
6-11-2021 - Ancenis Saint-Géréon airfield, France - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - Dept 02-AEV - The gyrocopter rolled over to the right handside during taxying damaging the rotor blades, mast and propeller.
News link to gyrocopter accident at Ancenis Saint-Géréon
November-4th-21 - Near South Canterbury, New Zealand - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - ZK-RDY - The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries when their gyrocopter crashed near Haldon Rd, close to Burkes Pass
Oct-18th 21 - Stroud, Oklaholma, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N419LB - Fatal - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED GUST OF WIND ON TAKEOFF, BLOWING IT INTO BARBED WIRE FENCE AND EJECTING THE PILOT"
Update - The NTSB Preliminary report states ""A witness reported that he observed the gyroplane on a 300-ft, private, upsloping field. The pilot added full power to the engine and the gyroplane started its takeoff roll toward the north. However, it never lifted off of the ground and impacted a barbed wire fence at the end of the field. The pilot was ejected from the gyroplane, and the gyroplane came to rest upright. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rotor assembly and vertical stabilizer. The nearest weather reporting station was about 7 miles northwest of the accident site. At the time of the accident, wind was reported from 140° at 14 gusting to 18 knots.""
2-10-21 - Stockton beach, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia - Magni M24 - G-1383 - The
gyrocopter made an emergency landing onto a sandy beach, news photos
show damage to the rotor blades. The pilot and passenger are said to
have minor injuries.
September 25 21 - Near Butzbach airfield, Hesse, Germany - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - Fatal - The gyrocopter crashed into a wooded area and caught fire killing the pilot and passenger
News link here to fatal gyrocopter accident in Germany
19th-Sept 2021 - Lake LBJ, Kingsland, Texas - Sport Copter Vortex - N924WG - The gyrocopter is said to have taken off from a private strip at Kingsland before crashing into Lake LBJ at approx 11.30am. The pilot was rescued by nearby boat operators.
The FAA ASIAS initial summary states "AIRCRAFT LOST CONTROL AND WENT DOWN INTO THE WATER AND SUNK, KINGSLAND, TX. - Injuries None - Damage Substantial
August14th-2021 - Arceau-Arcelot, near Dijon, France - Magni M16 - Registration 12-CO - Fatal - The BEA initial summary states , "Instruction flight. Witnesses saw the gyroplane in an uncontrolled descent, collide with the ground and then catch fire." One crew member died, the other has serious injuries.
REF - BEA2021-0394
10-8-21 - Beccles airfield, Norfolk, England, UK - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - G-PALT - The gyrocopter is said to have crashed during take off. The pilot was taken to hospital. News photos show substantial damage to the gyro.
News link to MTOsport accident at Beccles
August-7th 21 - Chambers County Airport, Anahuac, Texas, USA - RAF 2000 - N9012R - The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off and rolled over on a grass runway, causing substantial damage. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries.
News link to RAF 2000 accident at Anahuac Texas
28-7-21 - Childress, Texas, USA - Tango 2 - N910V - The FAA ASIAS summary states "
AIRCRAFT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED, CHILDRESS, TX." - flight phase listed as landing - injuries shown as minor, damage shown as substantial
July 25 2021 - Waroona Station, Stonehenge, Queensland, Australia - Unknown gyrocopter - registration unknown - Fatal Accident - News reports say the gyrocopter crashed shortly after taking off after a re-fuel, whilst conducting mustering operations - the 31 year old pilot was killed in the accident.
21st-July-2021 - Near Hildesheim airfield, Germany - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - D-MTMZ - Fatal Accident - The gyrocopter crashed in an industrial park adjacent to Hildesheim airfield killing the instructor Thomas Kiggen and a student pilot. News reports suggest some parts may have detached from the gyro in flight.
Auto-Gyro issued the following statement on social media -
4th July 2021 - Goorangoola, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia - Unknown gyrocopter - registration unknown -
Fatal Accident - News reports say the gyrocopter came down in a paddock
near Goorangoola about 50km from Muswellbrook. One person was found
dead at the scene, with a second airlifted to hospital.
29-6-21 - Lakeside, Oregon, USA - Silverlight AR-1 - N159WT - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT ON TAKEOFF DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT LIFT AND CRASHED, LAKESIDE, OR." - Injuries listed as none
Photo from NTSB report
Update - The NTSB Final Report states "The pilot reported that he departed from runway 33, which was composed of grass; there was no wind. During the takeoff roll, he was unable to get to an appropriate takeoff velocity. As he neared the end of the runway, he realized the gyrocopter would not clear the trees and at an altitude of about 20 ft agl, he attempted a left 180° turn back to the runway. The gyrocopter collided with the terrain still configured in the left turn. The forward fuselage of the gyrocopter was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot opined that he did not properly compensate for the drag from the grass and was not able to get enough airspeed to make an adequate takeoff." Damage listed as substantial.
June 16 2021 - Collinsville, Texas, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N46JS - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED ENGINE ISSUES AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD, COLLINSVILLE, TX." - injuries none - damage substantial. FAA records shows this 2020 gyro to have a Rotax 915iS.
4th-June-2021 - Caboolture, Queensland, Australia - RAF 2000 - registration unknown - The ATSB initial summary states "During cruise, the engine was surging and the pilot conducted a precautionary landing on a road. During landing, the aircraft rolled down an embankment and the rotor struck the ground resulting in minor damage."
ATSB Ref 202103548
31-5-21 - Near Wendover, Buckinghamshire, UK - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - G-IDYL- The gyrocopter crashed in a field - news photos show it with bent rotorblades close to a hedgeline.
May 24th 2021 - Gotartowice, Rybnik, Poland - JR-1 Delta - SP-XMUR - The gyrocopter crashed into a wooded area adjacent to Rybnik airfield. News photo show the rotors detached and damage to the rudder and tail.
16-5-21 - Mona airfield, Wales, UK - Auto-Gyro Calidus - G-CGMD - Emergency services were called to a gyrocopter accident at Mona airfield at approx 12.15pm, believed to be a take off incident. The pilot was taken to hospital.
Update - The UK AAIB summary states "The pilot engaged the pre-rotator system but the rotor rpm did not increase when he advanced the engine throttle. With the engine at high power the brake lever was inadvertently released and the aircraft accelerated rapidly, causing a rearwards movement of the control column. The rotor struck the fin and the aircraft departed the runway, striking the airfield boundary fence. The pilot considered the cause of the accident to be his increasing engine power despite the pre-rotator system failing to increase the rotor rpm, combined with a lack of recent flying practice due to COVID-19 restrictions."
May 9th 2021 - Torun, Poland - AAT Tercel - SP-XERO - The gyrocopter crashed during an emergency landing near Torun airfield, hitting power lines and coming to rest among trees beside a railway line. The pilot received minor injuries.
On May 9, 2021, the pilot (and owner) of the TERCEL gyrocopter arrived at EPTO – Pomeranian Aeroclub’s aerodrome to perform a recreational flight. The pilot performed a preflight check in accordance to the Flight Manual. No technical irregularities were found at that time.
At about 9:53 hrs UTC the pilot took off and then made a flight in the EPTO zone at an altitude of about 2400 ft. During the return flight to EPTO, when the gyrocopter was above a dense, high forest, the pilot noticed vibrations of the fuselage. According to the pilot’s assessment, the vibrations gradually increased, therefore, he reduced the engine speed to the minimum in order to relieve the gyrocopter structure. At the same time, he began descending to 1400 ft , and chose the shortest way to the aerodrome. The pilot informed the Aerodrome service by radio about the emergency and asked for priority to land with any course, and immediately received clearance to land and was informed about the current wind direction. After reaching the altitude of 1400 ft , the pilot increased the engine speed to a value that guaranteed a level flight. After another 30 seconds, there was a sudden shock and a very strong increase in vibration of the entire gyrocopter. The pilot immediately shut down the engine and the vibrations stopped. Then the pilot turned off the main electric power switch, closed the main fuel valve and informed the aerodrome about the emergency landing in the forest.
The gyrocopter with the engine turned off abruptly lost speed, so the pilot performed a dive to gain speed and chose to land near the railway line crossing the forest. According to the pilot, it was the only place in this area that allowed for an emergency landing. Despite the limited manoeuvrability of the diving gyrocopter, the pilot managed to fly over the treetops. Before the touchdown, the tips of the main rotor blades collided with tree trunks and the power line located in the area of the landing site. Then, the gyrocopter touched down on the main landing gear on the north-west side of the railway track. During the touchdown, the left wheel of the main landing gear hit the granite post. As a result the landing gear was torn out and the fuselage turned to the left and the gyrocopter overturned to the right side. The rotating rotor hit the ground, causing blades, mast and rear tail destruction.
After the occurrence, the pilot left the wreckage unaided through the right door, without injuries, and then informed (via phone) the Pomeranian Aero Club, emergency services and PKBWL about the accident. The ambulance service arrived at the site and examined the pilot, and the fire brigade extinguished a forest litter fire, initiated by the broken power line.
The direct cause was detachment of one the three blades of the Kašpar Ka-2/3-LT rear propeller used in the gyrocopter.
Root causes:
− improper material used for the propeller manufacturing – material prone to brittle fracture;
− inadequate design of the propeller blade mounting part – sharply intended mounting thread and a recess for the grub screw of the blade-nut joint.
Safety recommendation 2021-1048-1
The Investigation of the accident showed that the material and design solutions applied in the Kašpar Ka-2/3-LT propeller did not ensure its adequate strength and were the cause of the occurrence."
May-6th 2021 - Popham airfield, Hampshire, England, UK - Magni M24 - G-IROX - The UK AAIB summary states " After hitting a bump during takeoff the aircraft became nose high and moved to the left, the pilot abandoned the takeoff and closed the throttle, which tightened the left turn. The aircraft departed the runway where it struck another bump which caused it to roll on its right side.
17th April 2021 - Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, USA - Tango 2 - N886T - The FAA ASIAS summary reports - "AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON TOUCH AND GOES, COEUR D'ALENE, ID."
12-April-21 - Caboolture, Queensland, Australia - Revolution gyrocopter - registration unknown - The ATSB initial summary states "During landing, the pilot lost directional control and the gyrocopter collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries."
ATSB Ref 202102036
8-3-21 - Torrance airport, California, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N232PG - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT LANDED AND WHILE TAXIING NOSE GEAR DETACHED, TORRANCE, CA."
February 6th-2021 - Near Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia - Magni M24 - registration unknown - The ATSB initial summary states "During cruise, the door opened and then detached from the aircraft."
ATSB Ref 202102043
18th January 2021 - Neuvache valley, Valmeinier, Savoie, France - Magni M16 - 48-BU Fatal - The gyrocopter crashed in high mountains at an altitude of approx 2,200 metres. The gyro took off from the mountain altiport at Valloire Bonnenuit. The 70 year old pilot was killed in the accident
2020
Dec-27-20 - Near River Kai, East London, South Africa - Celier Xenon 2 - ZU-RGB - The gyrocopter took off from a golf course but quickly made an emergency landing on a nearby road before deviating into a road gully. Substantial damage to tail, booms, rotors and nose cone. Minor injuries.
17th December 2020 - Near Hosea Kutako airport, Windhoek, Namibia - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - Fatal - The passenger was killed and the pilot was badly injured. A news photo shows a blazing wreck on a road. An investigator said “For now what I can say is that it looks like the plane was flying too low and flew into a power line. We are working to establish why the pilot was flying so low. There was a power outage and NamPower is working on it".
Update - The pilot died of his injuries in hospital a few days after the accident.
16th December 2020 - Near Heber Valley airport, Utah, USA - Silverlight AR-1C American Ranger convertible - N261MD - Fatal - The AR-1 gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off near the US 189 road ending up in a gully - the 76 year old pilot was killed. This was a recent new build with serial #48 and is the second fatal AR-1 accident this week.
Photo courtesy Wasatch County Fire Dept
12th December 2020 - Near San Mateo, Putnam County, Florida, USA - Silverlight AR-1 American Ranger - N11TG - Fatal - The gyrocopter crashed into woods on the southwest side of Florida 100 north of Pine Crest Circle killing the 62 year old male pilot. The wreckage was found early on Sunday 13th.
The initial FAA ASIAS description states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES IN A WOODED AREA, SAN MATEO, FL"
20th Nov 2020 - Birika, Isinya, Kenya - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - 5Y-KWV - Fatal accident - The gyrocopter operated by the Kenyan Wildlife Service crashed near the airfield at Orly airpark, killing the pilot.
News link to MTOsport accident in Kenya
Update - photo from Kenyan AAID report - the student pilot was practicsing simulated engine failure and in commincation with the instructor on the ground by radio.
November 12th-2020 - Avoch, Black Isle, Invernesshire, Scotland, UK - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - G-CKYT - Fatal accident - The gyrcopter departed Inverness airport before crashing into a field killing the 67 year old pilot.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in Scotland
UPDATE - The UK AAIB issued an anniversary update on 12-11-21 - ""Whilst on a general handling flight with a solo student pilot onboard, the gyroplane was seen to descend rapidly from an altitude of approximately 1,500 ft with the rotor head and blades separate from the fuselage. The gyroplane subsequently crashed on farmland and caught fire, with the pilot receiving fatal injuries.
The main wreckage was largely destroyed in the fire, but analysis of the remaining evidence has been possible. The investigation is focused on understanding the circumstances which led to the rotor head separating in flight. Tests on the rotor head are on-going, along with analysis of the limited amount of data which has been recovered from a GPS unit mounted in the aircraft.
Once the investigation has been completed, the AAIB will publish its investigation findings in a final report.""
Nov 5th 2020 - Argao, Cebu, Philippines - unknown gyrocopter type B - unknown registration - Fatal accident - The gyrocopter crashed into coconut trees. Local media report the pilot as an overseas national. A local police officer said "investigators believed the pilot lost control of the aircraft after it hit the fence, and shortly before crashing onto land in Barangay Jampang, Argao"
3rd November 2020 - Putwin, Butler County, Kansas, USA - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - N455WM - Fatal - the FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, WICHITA, KS." - the pilot and passenger were both killed. Local media show burnt wreckage on flat farmland.
News link to fatal MTOsport accident in Kansas
UPDATE - The NTSB Final Report states - "The pilot of the gyroplane was conducting a personal flight with one passenger. A witness about 6 miles from the accident site saw the gyroplane flying about 300 ft above ground level and stated that the engine sounded normal. Shortly thereafter, a local landowner observed smoke originating from a field and notified local authorities. There were no witnesses to the
accident. The gyroplane was found nose-down in a field with the forward fuselage buried about
2 feet below the field’s surface, and the airframe was mostly consumed by a postcrash fire.
A postaccident examination of the gyroplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions
or failures that would have precluded normal operation; however, the examination was limited
due to extensive thermal damage to the airframe and engine. While diminished reaction times and flying performance could occur from the pilot’s use of the sedating medication, diphenhydramine (as indicated by toxicology results), there was no blood concentration available. Therefore, whether the pilot was impaired by diphenhydramine at the time of the accident could not be determined.
The gyroplane’s high-energy impact with the field is consistent with a loss of control; however,
the reason for the loss of control could not be determined based on the available evidence.
Review of the pilot’s logbook revealed that, during previous flights in the months before the
accident, the pilot had reported “hog hunt,” recon of fields, and “off-airport.” Pictures supplied
by the local law enforcement revealed that three pistols were found at the accident site with the
wreckage. The pilot’s truck was located at 29KS with about 10 gallons of additional fuel located
in gas cans in the trailer.""
October 7th-20 - Waties Island, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA - Sparrowhawk - N40380 - The FAA ASIAS summay states "FLYING ALONG THE BEACH LINE, LOST POWER AND RECEIVED A STRONG TAILWIND. GYROCOPTER LANDED ON ON ITS SIDE."
Photo courtesy Horry SC Fire Rescue
Sept 9th 2020 - Lodge approx 100km from Deben, South Africa - Auto-Gyro Calidus - ZU-RHN - the SA CAA summary states "The pilot,who was on-board a gyrocopter, reported that he touched down with the main gears and, while the nose gear was still airborne, the gyrocopter was hit by a whirlwind which lifted its tail and then rolled over to the left.The lodge staff came to the pilot’s rescue by putting the gyrocopter back on its upright position, as well as assisting the pilot out of the gyrocopter."
31st August 2020 - Saumur airfield, Maine-et-Loire, France - Magni M24 - Dept registration 49-ABZ - Fatal accident - The gyrocopter crashed during take off at approx 7.15pm and caught fire - the pilot was killed. Local media say the pilot was in his fifties and a local wine maker. The engine was a Rotax 915iS.
Update - The BEA report states ( via Google Translation ) - ".......the witnesses saw the ULM pitch up sharply and assume an almost vertical attitude. At the top of its climb, estimated at about fifty meters in height by a witness, the ULM rolls two times on the right, before diving towards the ground on the left. The ULM collides with the ground, in the strip of the aerodrome to the left of the runway, and caught fire on impact."............" During the acceleration stop, the pilot, who had little experience in gyroplane, exerted excessive influence on the pitch control. The ULM then took a strong nose-up attitude, almost vertical"
20th August 2020 - New Madrid, Missouri, USA - Magni M16 - N225MG - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT ON TAKEOFF EASED OVER AND LANDED HARD IN A FIELD, NEW MADRID, MO."
News link to Magni M16 incident in Missouri
16th Aug 2020 - Raning, Austria - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - D-M...... - The gyrocopter hit and cut power lines before making an emergency landing into a field of tall corn. The pilot and passenger escaped with minor injuries.
Photo courtesy GNAS local fire brigade
11-8-20 - Springfield airport, Tennessee, USA - Auto-Gyro MTOspot 2017 - N615MW - The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off coming to rest a few metres outside the airfield perimeter fence. Photos show the mast and rotors damaged. The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON TAKEOFF, SPRINGFIELD, TN."
Local news link here with photos
UPDATE - The NTSB Preliminary report states "On August 11, 2020, about 0815 central daylight time, a Rotorsport UK LTD MTOsport 2017 gyroplane, N615MW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Springfield, Tennessee. The pilot and his passenger were not injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
The pilot was interviewed by Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspectors, and provided a comprehensive written statement that included charts, diagrams, and photographs. According to the pilot, the gyroplane was loaded 6 pounds below its maximum allowable gross weight when he taxied it for an intersection takeoff from runway 4 at Springfield-Robertson County Airport (M91), Springfield, Tennessee. From that takeoff point, about 2,300 ft. of runway remained available for the takeoff rather than the 5,505 ft. available full-length. At 45 knots, the pilot lifted the nose, and accelerated "in ground effect" for his planned climb speed of 55 knots, but the gyroplane would not accelerate past 48 knots. He further stated, "with the throttle fully advanced, and there was no indication of any engine malfunction."
Because of the published best-angle-of-climb speeds (45-50 knots) the pilot chose to continue the takeoff. As the gyrocopter approached the airport boundary, it had "only climbed to probably 50 [ft]" and was not accelerating. The pilot surveyed the highway that ran perpendicular to the takeoff runway off its departure end, and the powerlines on the far side of the road and chose to perform a forced landing between the airport boundary fence and the road. The gyroplane was substantially damaged during the landing.
The pilot provided performance planning information based on the gyroplane's weight and the atmospheric conditions at the time of takeoff. He then plotted the predicted performance in both plan view and overhead view over graphs and images of the takeoff runway. A review of surveillance video that captured the accident flight revealed that the gyroplane was perhaps 10 feet above the runway surface at the point where it should have been in a steady-state climb and clearing a 50-ft obstacle. From that point, approximately 400 ft of runway and 1,200 ft. of turf runway overrun remained.
The gyroplane was examined by the FAA aviation safety inspectors at the scene and flight control continuity was confirmed. An engine start was attempted on the airframe using the gyroplane's own battery and fuel system. The engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption."
4th August 2020 - Upper Lake, California, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N635BC - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, UPPER LAKE, CA." - injuries are listed as serious and damage as substantial. The pilot and passenger were both airlifted to hospital.
UPDATE - The NTSB final report states - "The pilot of the gyroplane reported that, while maneuvering at low altitude over a friend’s property, he
looked down and backwards to the ground and inadvertently pulled back on the control stick, slowing the gyroplane to about 20 mph. He attempted to correct by applying full engine power and descending to
reestablish airspeed. Concerned the gyroplane would impact trees, he flared just above a wooded area. The gyroplane fell through the trees to the ground substantially damaging the tail section. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The pilot’s distraction and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low altitude maneuver, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.
30-7-20 - York airport, Thomasville, Pennsylvannia, USA - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - the pilot is said to have been practising training circuits in the erly morning, as the gyro was about to touchdown it is said to have tilted just inches above the runway causing the propellor to strike the runway. The pilot was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Local news link with photo here
July 20th 2020 - Ober-Eggendorf, near Vienna, Austria - Trixy G4-2R - registration unknown - Fatal accident - The gyrocopter crashed near the railway station at Ober-Eggendorf killing the pilot. The wreck of the gyrocopter was destroyed by a post impact fire.
News link to local media report
June-22 2020 -
Smith's Lagoon near Isisford, near Longreach, Queensland, Australia - gyrocopter
type unknown - gyrocopter registration unknown - Fatal Accident - News reports refer to a fatal gyrocopter accident whilst mustering at a remote property, killing the 26 year old pilot.
News Link to fatal mustering gyrocopter accident June 2020
Second News Link to fatal gyrocopter accident in QLD June 2020
18th-June-2020 - Elblag airfield, Poland - Celier Xenon 2 - SP-XEND - The Xenon gyrocopter took off from Elblag with just a pilot on board. The pilot had placed a balancing weight on the passenger seat and secured it. Shortly after take off at a height of approx 15m the balaancing weight came loose and blocked the flight controls. The gyro descended fast and hit the ground hard bouncing over to rest inverted. The pilot received minor injuries.
photo courtesy PKBWL
9-5-2020 - Cape Giradeau, Missouri, USA - Magni M16 - N316MG - The lastest FAA ASIAS states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON TAKEOFF, CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO." - injuries listed as minor, damage listed as substantial
Local news link here
UPDATE - The NTSB Preliminary states - "The student pilot was conducting a
supervised solo to practice touch and go landings in a gyrocopter and
said he was on the fourth or fifth pattern when the engine warning light
illuminated while on the downwind leg. He "dismissed the engine light
for oil pressure" when it extinguished while rolling down the runway and
elected to takeoff again. He said there was an odd smell after he took
off and the engine was not making power, so he landed again on the
runway. The gyrocopter was close to the end of the runway and, knowing
the ground past the runway was muddy, he elected to takeoff again. The
pilot said he did not have enough speed and "quickly fell behind the
power curve" and landed in the muddy grass. The wheels of the gyrocopter
dug into the soft ground and it rolled onto its side, damaging the main
rotor mast and the tail."
May 28-2020 - Roseburg, Oregon, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N477AG - Fatal - The FAA ASIAS summary says "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES IN A FIELD AND POST CRASH FIRE, ROSEBURG, OR. Local news reports the accident happened eight miles south of Roseburg.
Update - Local media identified the pilot as 77-year-old Lee Pauling
24-4-20 - Near Vyskov airfield, Vyskov, Czech Rep - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - OK-............ - a video shows the gyrocopter tumbling across a main road ( D46) adjacent to the perimeter of the airfield at Vyskov. The gyrocopter comes to reset a metre or two into a field beside the main road.
April 16th-2020 - Tomales, California, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N6283B - The FAA ASIAS summary states, "AIRCRAFT LANDED ON A ROAD, TOMALES, CA." injuries listed as none, damaged listed as minor
Feb 13th 2020 - Mildura airfield, Victoria, Australia - TAG Titanium Explorer - registration unknown - The ATSB summary states "During take-off, the gyrocopter struck a fence resulting in substantial damage."
19-1-20 - Hawthorne, California, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N913GB - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT HAD A PROP STRIKE AFTER LANDING, HAWTHORNE, CA." damage listed as minor, injuries nil.
Jan 15th 2020 - Morningstar airfield, Western Cape, South Africa - Magni M16 Tandem Trainer - ZU-DUO - Student pilot, hard landing causing the gyro to bounce and crash rolling onto its right side. The pilot received minor injuries, the gyrocopter substantial damage.
The SA CAA summary states "It was reported that, the pilot lost directional control of the gyrocopter during landing and the aircraft veered off to the right of the runway and the rotor struck the ground. "
Jan 15th 2020 - Nashua airport, New Hampshire, USA - Magni M24 Orion - N327JD - Local media report a gyrocopter crash
at Nashua Municipal Airport. Nashua fire officials confirmed
firefighters were dispatched to Nashua Municipal Airport at Boire Field around 3 p.m. for reports of an
experimental aircraft down in the middle of a runway. Fire and police
officials said the crash involves a yellow gyrocopter, and with at least one
person injured.
The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT ON DEPARTURE ROLL WENT OFF THE RUNWAY, NASHUA, NH."
Local TV News report here
2016
17 December 16 - Caldbeck Common, near Carlisle, UK - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - G-SIXG - News reports state the gyrocopter departed from Carlisle airport, the gyrocopter made a forced landing in a field near Braithwaite after a bid strike damaged the propeller - whilst landing the MTOsport struck power lines across the field and rolled over causing substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were both injured with one being airlifted to hospital.
News Link to gyrocopter accident near Carlisle 17-12-16
Oct 30th 16 - Near Grantham, North Caolina - RFD Dominator - N401JC - The FAA Preliminary states "N401JC EXPERIMENTAL DOMINATOR GYROCOPTER, AUTOROTATED INTO A FIELD, NEAR GRANTHAM, NC"
The Dominator gyrocopter was powered by a Rotax 582 ( two stroke ) and made an emergency landing into a cut corn field. The nosewheel sank on touch down rolling the gyrocopter on to its righthand side.
23-10-16 Hondo airfield, Texas, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N477AG - The gyrocopter tipped over during landing.
The FAA Preliminary report states - N477AG EXPERIMENTAL CAVALON AUTOGYRO GMBH, ON LANDING ROLLED OVER, HONDO, TX
Oct 10 16 - Near Iranshahr, Iran - ELA 07 gyrocopter - registration unknown - Fatal - A news report states that the gyrocopter suffered a technical failure before crashing killing the pilot in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan near the border with Pakistan. The observer died of injuries in hospital. The gyrocopter was operated by the Revolutionary Guard on a reconnaisance flight.
News link to gyrocopter accident in Iran 10-10-16
1st Oct 16 - Thuma forest, Malawi, Africa - RAFSA 2000 GTX-SE FI - ZU-RCD - The South African registered gyrocopter crashed among the large Thuma forest area. The aircraft was being used to spot illegal charcol fires. The pilot and passenger were both injured.
News link to RAF 2000 gyropcopter accident in Malawi
Sept 28 2016 - Northrepps airfield, England, UK - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - G-CFVG - the gyrocopter rolled to the side during take off. The pilot received minor injuries and the rotor blades were damaged.
News link to gyrocopter accident 28-9-16
UPDATE - the UK AAIB report concludes ".....Retreating blade stall was considered unlikely in this case, as such occurrences invariably result in the rotor blades striking the tops of one or more of the three vertical stabilizers; these were found to be intact after the accident.
Other possibilities worthy of consideration is an intermittent fault, such as moisture in one
of the solenoid valves, caused the trim actuating cylinder to be subjected to a pressure in
excess of 2 bar, or that the pilot omitted to release trim pressure after pre-rotator release.
The UK AAIB report can be found on the link below
https://www.gov.uk/aaib-reports/aaib-investigation-to-rotorsport-uk-mto-sport-gyroplane-g-cfvg
17-9-16 - Blairstown airport, New Jersey, USA - Aviation Artur Trendak Tercel - N528WM - the gyrocopter crashed during take off -
The NTSB report states -
""According to the solo student pilot, the experimental, amateur-built gyrocopter was positioned for takeoff on the runway and stopped with the brakes set.
He recalled that he engaged the prerotor, increased the main rotor speed to 180 rpm, then disengaged the prerotor, released the brake, and applied full throttle.
He reported that, “this is where I made my mistake. At this point I should have brought the control stick all the way back, but did not.” He recalled that the gyrocopter was moving forward rapidly but that the rotor rpm decreased and that he then pulled the control stick aft. He reported that the rotor blades were flapping, the control stick became uncontrollable, and the gyrocopter exited the runway to the left.
The student pilot reduced the throttle to idle, and during the runway excursion, the left main and the nose landing gear separated from the gyrocopter. The main rotor blade struck the ground, the blade grip sustained substantial damage, and the rotor head partially separated from the frame.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airframe or the engine that would have prevented normal operation.""
Sept 13 2016 - Headon airfield, England, UK - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - G-CGZM - the blades of the gyrocopter hit a hedge after coming to a stop upon landing, a late landing, neither the pilot nor the passenger were hurt.
UK AAIB synopsis states ""The pilot decided to perform a go-around from a height of 50 ft above the runway with 500 m of runway remaining. He applied nose-up pitch and full engine power, but the aircraft levelled at about 35 ft at an airspeed of 40 mph. With several dwellings ahead of the
aircraft’s flightpath near the airfield boundary, the pilot decided to land, touching down just
beyond the end of the runway. The landing was successful, but the rotor struck an adjacent
hedge after the aircraft had come to a stop. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.""
11-9-16 - Gutenbach, near Freiburg, Germany - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - D-MDOZ - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter crashed into a wooded hilly area. The 26 year old pilot was killed. The BFU report states that a witness heard an unusual noise before seeing the gyro spin to the ground with parts coming off. It is believed that the pilot performed a negative G manouvre with the rotorblade hitting the rear tail.
News link for gyrocopter accient in Germany 11-9-16
UPDATE - link to official BFU accident report for MTOsport D-MDOZ
Sept 3rd 2016 - Bryant, Saline County, Arkansas, USA - Bensen B-8M gyrocopter - gyro registration unknown - Fatal - the gyrocopter crashed near to the Saline County Regional Airport. A news report states "The FAA will begin investigation on the gyrocopter crash, who was on scene at the airport. So far, they have only revealed the pilot was 76-years-old and the crash happened around 3:30 p.m. Early examinations lead investigators to believe the crash occurred due to power failure.
The police have not released the name of the victim in the crash."
Local media name the pilot as Jack Payne Sr.
The FAA Preliminary states "UNREGISTERED GYROCOPTER CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES. BENTON, AR"
The NTSB Preliminary states - On September 3, 2016, about 1500 central daylight time, a Bensen B-8M gyroplane, no registration number, impacted terrain about ¼ mile from the Saline County Airport (SUZ), Bryant, Arkansas. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was fatally injured. The gyroplane was destroyed. The gyroplane was being operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight originated from SUZ moments before the accident.
Two witnesses, both experienced gyroplane pilots, stated the accident pilot did a high speed flyby heading south and was turning onto a left base leg for runway 2. The gyroplane began to "porpoise," then pitched up, nosed over, and entered a "power push-over" situation, causing the gyroplane to summersault and impact terrain.
UPDATE - the NTSB final report has now been published - part of it reads "The private pilot, who did not hold a gyroplane rating, was conducting a local personal flight in the
gyroplane. A witness, who was an experienced gyroplane pilot, reported seeing the pilot make a highspeed flyby over the airport. The witness added that, as the pilot turned the gyroplane onto the leftbase leg for the active runway, it started to "porpoise" and that the gyroplane then pitched up, nosed over, entered a "power push-over" attitude, summersaulted, and impacted terrain.
The witness stated that the pilot had not flown for some time and lacked sufficient proficiency and
skills to operate a gyroplane of this type and that the pilot was inexperienced and had low flight time
in gyroplanes; no gyroplane flight time was recorded in the pilot's logbooks. He added that the pilot
had a "macho attitude" and could not be told anything and that, although most of the gyroplane pilots
had landed that day because of air turbulence in and around the airport vicinity and he had tried to
talk the pilot into not flying because of the air turbulence, the pilot conducted the flight anyway. The
pilot should not have chosen to fly in such conditions, especially given his lack of experience flying
gyroplanes, and his decision to do so contributed to the accident.
Link to NTSB report
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in Arkansas 3-9-16
August 25th 2016 - Popham airfield - Tango 2 gyrocopter - RA-0542A - the gyrocopter was taking part in the World Microlight Championship and crashed during take off - a short video clip appears to show it rotate steeply with the rotor blade hitting the ground behind the gyro before crashing. More details welcomed.
Youtube video clip here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3OFj26MxFU
UPDATE - the UK AAIB report published May 2017 has the following summary " The pilot was taking part in the FAI World Paramotor and Microlight Championship in the Autogyro Tandem class and lost control of the gyrocopter during takeoff. Video footage of the takeoff shows the gyrocopter rotating steeply with the rotor blade hitting the ground behind the gyrocopter. It then rolled to the left before coming to a stop on its side. The pilot and crew were unharmed.""
Link to UK AAIB report in Tango 2 gyrocopter accident
Aug 19th 2016 - St Marienkirchen, near Suben, Austria - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - D-MXDR - The gyrocopter crashed during heavy rain. As the Cavalon descended in rain and poor visibility the undercarriage wheels hit the roof of a farm building and were torn off. The gyrocopter crashed into a grass field and rolled on to its righthand side. The pilot received serious injuries and was flown to hospital by air ambulance helicopter. The passenger received minor injuries.
News link to Cavalon gyrocopter accident in Austria
August 7th 2016 - Near Gympie, Queensland, Australia - Patroney Revolution - gyrocopter registration unknown - The ATSB report states "During cruise, the pilot detected a rotor malfunction and conducted a precautionary landing. The post flight inspection revealed multiple bolts on the rotator housing had become loose. " The ATSB classified the incident as serious.
ATSB ref 201602185
5-8-2016 - Isortoq Reindeer Station, Greenland - ELA 07 R100 - OY-1027 - The gyrocopter crashed during take off from a short dirt strip. The accident report states the gyrocopter veered left and clipped a rock. The ELA gyrocopter crashed inverted and caught fire soon after the pilot had vacated the cockpit. The gyrocopter was completely burnt out.
The Report summary reads
"During the take-off roll, the gyroplane started veering to the left resulting in the gyroplane running off the side of the runway.
The gyroplane hit a rock and ended up in an almost upside down position.
Fuel started leaking and caught fire, and the gyroplane was destroyed by the fire.
The accident occurred in daylight and under visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
The AIB safety investigation did not result in safety recommendations being made."
Danish Accident Report Ref HCLJ520-2016-34
July 31st 2016 - Near Gladstone airfield, Rodds Bay, Queensland, Australia - Patroney Revolution - gyrocopter registration unknown - The ATSB report states "The pilot was hand starting the unoccupied gyrocopter. When the engine started the gyrocopter accelerated forwards and collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage"
ATSB ref 201602170
28 7 16 - Turweston airfield, England, UK - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - G-MEPU - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter pilot was killed in an accident on the airfield at Turweston during a go around. The gyrocopter crashed from a height of approx 100ft as it began to climb away. Local media name the pilot as Richard Green ( 79 years ).
News link to Turweston accident
UPDATE - the UK AAIB published their report in April 2017 - it concludes "The investigation considered the post-mortem evidence and the opinion of the pathologist,
along with the lack of any evidence of other causal factors. It was concluded that the
accident was most probably the result of a sudden medical incapacitation of the pilot, in
which his capacity to pilot the aircraft safely was either removed or severely degraded."
LINK to UK AAIB accident report for gyrocopter G-MEPU
27-7-16 - Oropesa del Mar, Castellon, Spain - ELA 07 R-115 - EC-ZMU - The gyrocopter ditched into the sea about 30m from the shore following engine problems. More details welcomed.
July 27th 2016 - Jumet, near Tarbes, Haute-Pyrenees, Dept 65, France - gyrocopter type unknown - registration unknown - Fatal Accident - the gyrocopter took off from Toulouse before it crashed into rocky terrain near a quarry near Jumet. No other details known.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in France 27-7-16
July 16th 2016 - Leychert, Lavelanet, France - gyrocopter type unknown - 11-GC ? - the yellow single seat semi enclosed gyrocopter landed on a rugged hill side - news photo shows the tail broken off beside the main cabin.
News link to gyrocopter accident 16-7-16
July 16th 2016 - near d'Ecuvillens, Switzerland - Magni M16 - HB-WGA - Accident summary report refers to engine failure and emergencey landing in field. No more details known.
SESE report states - Atterrissage d’émergence dans un champ suivi d’une panne du moteur.
15th July 20166 - Near Whitewater, Butler County, Kansas, USA - TAG Titanium Explorer - N556XT - Fatal accident. News reports suggest the Titanium Explorer crashed into a field at approx 7pm and caught fire. The pilot was killed.
Local news says "The Kansas Highway Patrol crash logs show James Toevs, 61, of Whitewater, was seen making a steep climb, then pitched before crashing down in a field just before 7 p.m. about 4 miles northeast of Whitewater."
Link to TV News report for gyrocopter accident in Kansas USA
The NTSB Preliminary reports - " On July 15, 2016, about 1900 central daylight time, an amateur-built Toevs Titanium Explorer autogyro, N556XT, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain near Whitewater, Kansas. A post impact fire ensued. The private pilot was fatally injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight which originated from Newton City/County Airport (EWK), Newton, Kansas, about 1800.
According to witnesses interviewed by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the autogyro started a turn, the nose pitched up, and then it descended and impacted trees. At least one witness described hearing engine noise. The autogyro impacted the ground and was destroyed by the post impact fire.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who traveled to the accident site, the autogyro impacted the ground in a nose low attitude."
June-27-2016 - Karoro beach, near Greymouth, New Zealand - Auto Flight Dominator - ZK-RAZ - the gyrocopter landed on a peeble beach shortly after take off from Greymouth airfield, sustaining rotor and tail damage. The pilot received minor injuries. A news report states ".....After take-off from the aerodrome the machine lost power. He said he would not know what went wrong until he stripped the machine, but suspected the turbo-charger on the engine may have died."
Note not to be confused with the 2009 fatal accident to an earlier gyrocopter also registered ZK-RAZ.
New link to Dominator accident June 2016
Second news link to ZK-RAZ gyrocopter accident June 2016
25th June 2016 - Lubbock Executive airport, Texas, USA - Groen SparrowHawk II - N130SW - the gyrocopter is believed to have hit trees after leaving the runway following a blown tyre during landing at Lubbock Executive airport.
Link to news report for Sparrowhawk accident
June 21st 2016 Bernes-sur-Oise, Picardy, France - ELA 07 - 95-AGD - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter crashed under unknown circumstances whilst the student pilot was receiving flight instruction from an instructor on the ground via radio. When the pilot failed to respond to radio calls the instructor took off and flew over the routing, spotting the wreckage from the air and calling the emergency services.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in France 21-6-16
UPDATE link to final BEA accident report
18th June 2016 - Near Caboolture, Queensland, Australia - RAFTOR gyrocopter - gyrocopter registration unknown - The ATSB report states "During cruise, the crew detected abnormal engine vibrations and conducted a precautionary landing. An inspection revealed the exhaust manifold had fractured causing damage to a propeller blade."
ATSB ref 201603148
14th June 2016 - Morningstar airfield, Western Cape, South Africa - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - ZU-RKR - the Cavalon gyrocopter crashed moments after taking off, rolling to the left with the blades hitting the ground beside the runway. The passenger escaped unhurt but the pilot was initially trapped and sustained a broken arm.
Link to accident thread on the Avcom forum
June 11 16 - Bonn-Hangelar airport, Germany - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - D-MMMB - The gyrocopter suffered a landing accident - a photo shows broken rotors, rotormast and tail boom.
Photo link here to Cavalon accident D-MMMB
29th May 16 - Wondai, Queensland, Australia - gyrocopter type unknown - gyrocopter registration unknown - The ATSB report states "During climb, the engine failed and the pilot conducted a forced landing. The inspection revealed a gearbox bearing failure."
ATSB ref 201600749
May 20 16 - Soldiers Creek, Strawberry River, Fruitland, Wasatch County, Utah, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N50NE - the Calidus crashed high up trying to cross a mountain pass at a height in the region of 8,000 feet. The pilot and passenger suffered broken bones and were airlifted to hospital.
Note that N50NE had an earlier accident also in montainous terrain - see entry dated 6th January 2015
Link to news report about Calidus accident in Utah, USA
UPDATE June 2016 - the NTSB have now published their Preliminary report as follows,
The pilot reported that they departed from Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, earlier that morning and stopped at Duchesne for fuel. They then departed west towards Spanish Fork on a route over the Wasatch Mountain Range. As they approached the last ridge, about 200 ft above its peak, they encountered a strong downdraft and the gyrocopter descended 500 ft and into a box canyon. Unable to out climb the terrain, the pilot guided the gyrocopter over a river at the base of the canyon until he could see a landing spot on the shore. As he approached the site and initiated the landing flair, the right wheel struck a bolder and the gyrocopter rolled over, coming to rest in the river.
A witness, who was fishing in the river, called 911 after climbing to a peak where he was able to receive cell phone reception. Due to the remoteness of the site, the pilot and passenger were not recovered until later in the evening.
19-5-16 - Near Maryhill, Guelph, Ontario, Canada - Celier Aviation Xenon IV - C-FIXQ - The Xenon 4 gyrocopter made a successful emergency landing in a level farmers field after experiencing a loss of power. A news report refers to exhaust problems.
News link and photo of Xenon 4 incident in Canada
14-5-16 - Tybee Island, Savannah, Georgia, USA - Gregory Mills Air Commander RT - N962GT - the gyrocopter turned over as it tried to take off from a sand beach. The pilot made the following comment "During roll out for take off, the nose wheel got stuck in soft ground resulting in a rotor and prop strike".
http://wsav.com/2016/05/14/gyrocopter-crashes-on-sandbar-near-tybee-no-injuries-reported/
A news link has dialogue with a witness suggeting the gyrocopter rotors hit the sand ( maybe during landing ) - it was after this whilst trying to take off that the gyrocopter rolled over with spinning rotors when the nose wheel sank/stuck in sand. See news link below
Link to news report with witness report - Tybee Island May 2016
UPDATE - the NTSB Factual report states - "The pilot of a gyroplane reported that during a touch-and-go on a sand bar, the nose wheel began to dig into soft sand. The pilot further reported that he turned the nose wheel to the left towards firmer sand, but the spring-loaded nose wheel dug further into the sand and suddenly turned "full left." Subsequently, the gyroplane rolled over to the right, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder."
May 12th 2016 - Dry Lake, Lincoln County, Nevada, USA - Butterfly Ultralight gyrocopter - unregistered - Fatal accident -the FAA Preliminary reports "Unregistered gyrocopter crashed under unknown circumstances, the 1 person on board was fatally injured, dry lake, Lincoln County, NV. Local media name the pilot as Kevin Eaton.
A news report refers to a witness hearing an unusual pop noise before the gyrocopter fell apprrox 100ft to earth.
The Butterfly gyrocopter was belived to be powered by a MZ202 engine.
Link to News report on the Butterfly gyrocopter accident 12.5.16
8-5-16 - Tanami, Northern Terriotory, Australia - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - gyrocopter registration unknown - The ATSB report reads "During landing on a wet surface, the pilot lost directional control of the gyrocopter. The gyrocopter rolled onto it's side resulting in substantial damage."
ATSB ref 201600678
7-5-2016 - Bundu Fly-In, near Pretoria, South Africa - ELA 07 - ZU-ESY - the SA CAA report states "During take-off roll and as aircraft gradually accelerating, the pilot stated that he moved the cyclic back and started feeling vibrations. Few seconds later the pilot stated that vibrations increased and for he then decided to cut the throttle and abort take-off"
SA CAA Ref CA18/2/3/9549
6th May 2016 - near Geradmer, France - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - registration 80-..... - Fatal Accident - The gyrocopter crashed into a wooded area on a steep hillside in the Vosges. The flight departed from Remomeix and is thought to have been an aerial photo survey possible in company with a second gyrocopter. The pilot and passenger received major injuries and were airlifted to hospital.
News link to autogire accident in France 6.5.16
UPDATE - Sadly the passenger did not recover and later died from his injuries.
News links with update regarding the passenger
May 1st 2016 - Plettenberg Bay airfield, Western Cape, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MT-03 -ZU-EOP - The SA CAA report states "During the landing on the runway, the pilot lost control of the aircraft and the main rotor blades impacted with the runway"
SA CAA Ref CA18/2/3/9548
April 30-4-16 - near Oodnadatta Aerodrome, South Australia - gyrocopter type unknown - gyrocopter registration unknown - The ATSB report states - "It was reported that the gyrocopter departed with electrical issues and subsequently conducted a forced landing." The ATSB classified the incident as serious.
ATSB ref 201600590
29-4-16 - Aérodrome de Montélimar Ancône, Montelimar, France - DTA J-RO - 26-AFI - Fatal accident. The pilot was killed during take off. No further details yet known - more information welcomed.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in France 30.4.16
UPDATE - the BEA summary ( BEA2016-0230 ) states "Un témoin indique que l'autogire bascule à droite lors du décollage et tombe vers le sol."
Googel Translates gives this as "A witness says the gyroplane rocking right during take-off and falls to the ground."
12.4.16 Bloemfontein, Northern Cape, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - ZU-RHD - The SA CAA report states "The pilot came for a touch and go landing whereby he prolonged his take-off time. During an attempt for lift off the Auto Gyro experienced main rotor flapping and made contact with both the propeller and the vertical stabilizer" UPDATE - 8.16 The gyrocopter is currently being re-built.
SA CAA ref CA18/2/3/9540
April 1st 2016 - Near Wittlich, Germany - Rotortec Cloud Dancer CD2 - D-M...... ? - The gyrocopter made an emergency landing ( reason unknown ) and landed on a slopping hillside. The rotorblades were smashed as they hit the slopping ground. The pilot and the passenger were not injured.
News link to Rotortec CD2 accident 1-4-16
20-3-16 - Cassano Magnago, Varese, Italy - Magni M16 / M22 ? - registration unknown - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter is said to have made a very heavy landing, bounced and then caught fire. The pilot and the passenger were both killed. The accident appears to have happened on the edge of a grass airfield very close to parked cars.
News Link to fatal gyrocopter accident in Italy 20-3-16
March 20th 2016 - Lake Samish, Bellingham, Washington, USA - Pitbull gyrocopter - unregistered - The gyrocopter fitted with floats hit the surface of Lake Samish and flipped over before disintegrating. The pilot who was wearing a life jacket was able to cling onto floating wreckage before being rescued. The gyrocopter is said to be an ultralight and as such the accident will not be investigated.
News link to Pitbull gyrocopter accident at Lake Samish
13-3-16 - Ashanti Lodge, Lephalale, Limpopop, South Africa - ELA 08 - ZU-EFO - Fatal accident. The ELA gyrocopter crashed into an area of grass and trees and burnt out. The pilot and the passenger were both killed.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in South Africa 13-3-16
UPDATE - the South African CAA report states "The pilot and passenger were witnessed flying low, approximately 2 meters above a farm dam when the gyrocopter impacted a zip line that spanned over the dam. The pilot loss control and the gyrocopter crashed into trees on the farm."
March 2nd 2016 - Trovo, Lombardy, Italy - ELA gyrocopter - registration ends in 68 - The ELA gyrocopter crashed into the courtyard of a property in the town of Trovo shortly after take off from Malnate airfield, Varese. The pilot was taken to hospital with minor injuries. With thanks to Luigi C.
News link to ELA gyrocopter accident in Italy 2-3-16
21st February 2016 - Bindoon airfield, Western Australia, Australia - gyrocopter type unknown - gyrocopter registration unknown - News report states " The pilot was flying the small aircraft when he ran into trouble yesterday afternoon and came down in a paddock. It is not clear what went wrong. The man was flown to hospital in a rescue helicopter and remains in a stable condition at Royal Perth Hospital." Another report says the accident happened on the runway.
Link to news report for the Bindoon gyrocopter accident 22.2.16
Link to a second news link for Bindoon gyrocopter crash 22.2.16
UPDATE - the ATSB report states "The pilot rejected the take-off and subsequently collided with terrain. The gyrocopter was substantially damaged and the pilot sustained serious injuries."
ATSB ref 201600233
20th Feb 2016 - Near Hughenden airfield, Queensland, Australia - Celier Aviation Xenon - G5110 - The ATSB report states "While manoeuvring, the gyrocopter's left door detached and struck the propeller, causing the engine to run rough. The pilot shut down the engine and conducted a forced landing. The gyrocopter was substantially damaged. It was subsequently determined that the door had not been correctly latched."
ATSB ref 201600467
12th February 2016 - Alco Park, Brewton, Alabama - Sport Copter Vortex M912 - N911GW - The Sportcopter Vortex gyro owned by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office crashed during a search operation for a missing person. The Vortex is said to have hit tree tops whilst searching before crashing onto a wooded slope.
News link to Sport Copter Vortex accident 12.2.16
February 1st 2016 - near Centralia airfield, Illinois, USA - N41852 - RFD Dominator Tandem ( Condor ) - Fatal - The accident happened shortly after take off. A witness suggests the engine may have stopped when the gyro was at a height of approx 300ft. The Dominator gyrocopter crashed into an open flat grass field killing the pilot. Local media name the pilot as Raymond Brown.
News link to fatal Dominator gyrocopter accident 1.2.16
Dominator gyrocopter update - the NTSB Preliminry report states, ""According to information obtained by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspectors, an eyewitness watched the gyroplane as it departed runway 36. During the climb out, the gyroplane began a right turn during which the witness perceived that the rotor blades began to slow. The gyroplane then made a sharp left turn and began descending. After the gyroplane did a quick flare, it descended out of view and rolled over. The witness ran to the accident site and called for assistance. The accident occurred about 1 mile from the airport.
The gyroplane was retained for further examination.
At 1435, an automated weather reporting station located at ENL reported a wind from 040 at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, a clear sky, temperature 54° F, dew point 32° F, and an altimeter setting of 29.99 inches of mercury.""
2015
16-12-15 - Tnuvot airfield ( LLTN ), Israel - Trixy G4-2 - 4X-OFS ( 1 ) - The gyrocopter appears to have veered left moments after take off from a hard runway and rolled over once on the dirt and grass. The gyrocopter suffered major damage and is likely written off. The pilot was taken to hospital. Photo below
Dec 9th 2015 - Jumeirah Beach, Dubai - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - A6-GY0 - Fatal - The gyrocopter crashed into the sea close to Jumeirah Beach. The gyrocopter was being flown in a pylon race competition one of the events at the World Air Games ( WAG ) in Dubai. The pilot was rescued by divers and taken to hospital in a serious condition. UPDATE - Sadly the pilot Arend van Randen from the Netherlands died from his injuries several days later whilst in hospital.
News link to gyrocopter accident in Dubai 9-12-15
FAI statement re accident at Dubai
UPDATE - link to Preliminary accident report
https://www.gcaa.gov.ae/en/ePublicat...-%20A6-GYO.pdf
News link about Preliminary accident report
UPDATE October 2017 - News reports say final report concludes "“The Air Accident Investigation Sector determines that the most probable cause of the accident was due to the pilot losing control of the aircraft as he attempted a high-speed, unbalanced left-hand turn and becoming distracted, at the same time, due to the loss of his helmet,”.
28th November 2015 - USA - Celier Aviation Xenon IV - N803KT - During the first initial post assembly test flight the gyrocopter experienced an engine failure after overheating during flight resulting in an unscheduled landing.
13-11-15 - Courseulles-sur-Mer airfield, Calvados, Normandy, France - Dept 14 - ELA 09 Junior - 56-RF - Fatal accident. Local news reports suggest the pilot was performing extreme manouvres over the airfield. The gyrocopter crashed killing the 42 year old pilot.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in France 13.11.15
News update for ELA Junior accident 13.11.15
UPDATE 19.11.15 - The BEA published a short summary in Edition #46 - "Witnesses indicate that during aerodrome circuit the driver performs a low- level high speed pass over the runway followed by a resource ( pull up ? ). He lost control of the autogyro hits the ground near the end of the runway"
Nov 7th 2015 - Tyrone Station, between Charleville - Adavale, Queensland, Australia - Sport Copter Vortex 582 - G-246 - Fatal - News report refers to a fatal gyrocopter accident whilst mustering cattle. The gyrocopter is believed to have hit a tree top before crashing killing the 35 year old pilot. Local media name the pilot as Grant Burrell.
News link to gyrocopter accident at Charleville, Queensland
Second news link to fatal gyrocopter accident in Australia 7.11.15
ATSB Reference - 201504894 - Summary - "During mustering operations, the gyrocopter struck a tree and subsequently collided with terrain. The pilot was fatally injured."
6th Nov 2015 - Bordeaux, Near Randburg, Johanesburg, South Africa - ELA 07 - ZU-DLN - Fatal - the gyrocopter crashed into trees close to a nature trail and near a cricket pitch before burning out. The pilot was killed.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in South Africa 6.11.15
UPDATE - the SA CAA report states "One witness reported hearing a bang and then smoke from the rear of the aircraft"
04-11-15 - Punta Gorda, Florida, USA - unknown gyrocopter type - - unknown registration - The gyrocopter caught fire and burnt out. The pilot was taken to hospital with burn injuries. A large area of grass at the Red Neck Yacht Club was also burnt. Possibley an ultralight gyro.
News link to gyro accident 5-11-15
Nov 4th 2015 - Wakeman, Florence, Ohio, USA - Sparrow Hawk - N80825 - the gyrocopter crashed under unknown circumstances with two on board.
UPDATE - The NTSB Preliminary report states "
The pilot reported that he noted a gradual loss of power during the initial climb. He was unable to maintain altitude and elected to perform a forced landing to a field. During the landing the gyrocopter rolled to the left and the fuselage, tail boom, and rotor mast were substantially damaged.
24-10-15 - Buckeye, Arizona, USA - Brandon Evans Gyroplane a modified RAF 2000 gyro with Groen Brothers Centerline Thrust Kit - N166BE - The NTSB report states "The student pilot reported that he lined the gyroplane up on the centerline of the runway for takeoff. As the takeoff roll was commenced, the student pilot stated he looked down to check the gyroplane's airspeed indicator and when he looked back up the gyroplane was 2 feet above the ground and drifting right. The gyroplane rolled right and came to rest on its right side. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the rotor mast and horizontal stabilizer. " The pilot and instructor escaped with minor injuries.
Link to NTSB report for gyrocopter accident at Buckeye Arizona
Oct 17th 15 - Wallisville, near Anahuac, Texas, USA - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - N3232Z -The NTSB Preliminary report states "On October 17, 2015, about 1200 central daylight time, an experimental - amateur built, Bobby Martin, AutoGyro MTO Sport gyroplane, N3232Z, impacted terrain in a remote swampy area near Wallisville, Texas. The pilot was not injured, and the gyroplane was substantially damaged. The gyroplane was registered to and operated by a private individual, as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed and a flight plan had not been filed. The gyroplane had departed Chambers County Airport (T00) Anhuac, Texas, about 1130 for a local flight.
The pilot reported that during cruise flight one blade had delaminated on the 3-blade carbon fiber propeller, a severe vibration began and during the off-airport forced landing the gyroplane rolled on its side causing damage to the rotor blades and rotor mast."
17-10-15 - Meadow Lake airport, El Paso, Colorado, USA - Honeybee G2 Tandem - N461DH - A gyrocopter tipped over as the 80 year old pilot was taking off. The pilot was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries.
News link to gyrocopter accident in Colorado 17-10-15
October 13th 2015 - Near Yamada, Japan - Air Command R582 Elite - JE0146 - The gyrocopter crashed about 10 minutes after take off onto a grass slope, from a height of approx 50m. The 74 year old pilot was injured.
News link to gyrocopter accident in Japan
10th October 2015 - Dubbo airfield, New South Wales, Australia - Magni M16 - registration unknown - the ATSB summary states "During landing, the pilot lost control and rolled the gyrocopter resulting in substantial damage. "
ATSB Reference - 201504517
Oct 8th 2015 - Kaniow airfield, Poland - Auto-Gyro Calidus - OK-UWC-22 - The Czech registered gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off from the asphalt runway at Kaniow airfield. At a height of approx 30m the Calidus began to slow and sink. The pilot choose a field straight ahead for an emergency landing but hit tree tops during the descent. The gyrocopter crash landed and was extensively damaged. The pilot and passenger escaped with minor injuries.
A translation of the accident report summary states "As a result of the tests it was not possible to determine the reason for the temporary decrease in engine power. On the basis of the evidence in the Commission's possession, the reason for the occurrence cannot be clearly determined.Cause of Aviation Event: The cause of the incident has not been established.
Safety recommendations: PKBWL did not formulate safety recommendations.""
Source - Polish Report 2175/15
Sept 26th 2015 - Odorheiu Secuiesc, Romania - Aviation Artur Trendak Tercel - A11-DUN - ASC registration - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off crashing into a wooded hillside. The wreckage caught fire and the pilot was killed. Local media name the pilot as Alin Neagoe.
UPDATE - 2020 - The official accident report has the following summary - "CONCLUSIONS 4.1 FindingsThe Romanian Airclub had no information regarding the flying activity with aircraft certified by ASC, on this flight field;The pilot did not hold a license issued/recognized by the Romanian Airclub;Pilot was not authorized to perform adjustments on the controls chain;The technical expertise of the broken rods in the chain of the rotor head controls, confirmed that they failed before impact and fire.4.2 Cause of accident The cause of the accident was the loss of control of the rotor head as a result of the breakage of a threaded rod (Rod 1) from the roll control mechanism/system. Favoring cause:several non-compliant adjustments made by the pilot, which have induced successive and repeated physical stresses within Rod 1.
News link to gyrocopter accident in Romania 26-9-15
24-9-15 - Lakes Wales airport, Florida, USA - Sport Copter Vortex - N179V - News reports suggest the Sportcopter gyro crashed shortly after take off from Lake Wales airport. The pilot said that the engine failed at a height of approx 100 feet. The gyrocopter made an emergencey landing in a nearby lot sustaining substantial damage. The pilot received minor injuries.
UPDATE - the NTSB Preliminary report states "On September 24, 2015, about 1050 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vanek Sport Copter Vortex gyrocopter, N179V, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during a forced landing near Lake Wales, Florida. The sport pilot sustained minor injuries. The gyrocopter was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions were reported in the vicinity about the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from the Lake Wales Municipal Airport (X07), Lake Wales, Florida, at 1045.
According to the pilot, he conducted a run-up prior to takeoff and all systems were normal. During the initial climb, he made a left crosswind turn and climbed to approximately 300 feet. He noticed that the engine began to lose power and made a left downwind turn in an attempt to return to the airport. The engine continued to lose power and the pilot chose to attempt a forced landing in a field. During the landing sequence, the gyrocopter rolled over and sustained damage to the airframe.
The gyrocopter was recovered from the field and retained for further examination."
Link to news report for Sport Copter Vortex accident 24.9.15
Sept 4th 2015 - near Patensie, South Africa - Magni M16 - ZU-DHJ - Fatal - News reports state, "“The gyrocopter crashed in the mountains and people are there assisting the pilot,” a farmer on the scene said. The gyrocopter was working on a project aimed at dropping sterile moths on orchard farms in the area." The pilot was rescued with extensive serious burns but later died in hospital. Locla media name the pilot as 23 year old Marco Martino.
News link to accident at Patensie 4.9.15
UPDATE - the SA CAA summary states "It appeared that during the turn at the mountain side, the Gyrocopter crashed onto a high ground approximately 700 metres west of the sprayed field"
2nd Sept 2015 - Farm Grootpatreisvlei, near Clanwilliam, Western Cape, South Africa - Magni M16 - ZU-RDT - The SA CAA summary states "The pilot indicated that he was flying at low level, between 50 and a 100 feet AGL, while he commenced with a right turn it felt to him like the engine lost power and the gyrocopter was unable to sustain flight"
23-8-15 - Near Santa Lucia, Porto Belo, Santa Catarina, Brazil - Hummingbird H-1 - PU-ENS - Fatal. The gyrocopter crashed into a grass field and caught fire. The pilot was killed. Local media name the pilot as Carlos Alexandre Araújo aged 28 years.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accient in Brazil 23.8.15
16-8-15 - Near Springs, South Africa - Magni M22 Voyager - ZU-EHB - the SA CAA summary reads "The pilot reported that during flight at approximately 6100ft over the mine dump area
located 8 miles east of Springs airfield, the gyrocopter experienced what felt like
turbulence. The gyrocopter rolled to the right hand side whereby the passenger’s
headphones got blown by wind and went through the propeller causing damages. The
pilot was able to recover from maneuver and then execute a forced landing"
20th-8-15 - Uvita, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica - gyrocopter type unknown - registration unknown - News reports mention a gyrocopter crashing into the sea approx 1 mile off the coast with two people on board. A rescue operation is in progress. Update welcomed.
News link to gyrocopter accident in Costa Rica 20.8.15
August 17 2015 - Aire sur la Lys, Pas de Calais, France - Celier Aviation Xenon - 88-NJ -Fatal accident. The gyrocopter crashed killing the pilot and the passenger. A witness suggests the Xenon had black smoke coming from the engine before impacting the ground.
News link to fatal Xenon accident 17-8-15
16-8-15 - Fontrailles airfield, near Trie sur Baise, France - Leon Gyro Side by Side - registration unknown - The gyrocopter crashed during final approach to land, rolled over several times and caught fire. The pilot was rescued with burns and multiple injuries.
News link to gyrocopter accident in France 16-8-15
10-8-15 - Midland, Texas, USA - Trixy G4-2R - N743SS - The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off from Midland Airpark ending up on its side with rotor and propeller damage. The pilot is reported with minor back injuries. The passenger Sheriff Painter was uninjured.
News link to Trixy gyrocopter accident in Texas USA
UPDATE - the NTSB has now published their preliminary report as follows, "Witnesses reported the gyroplane started the takeoff roll from about mid-field with about 2,000 feet of runway remaining. The pilot reported that he was full of fuel and near the maximum gross weight when he began the takeoff at 50 knots and climbed to about 100 feet above ground level. The pilot then noticed that the airspeed had decayed to about 40 knots and he lowered the nose in an attempt to regain forward airspeed but the gyroplane would not climb and would not accelerate. After making several turns at low altitude to avoid trees and other obstructions the airspeed was then about 30 knots and the pilot reduced engine power to make an off-airport forced landing in a city park. The gyroplane landed on the rear wheels first, bounced, and impacted on the nose gear. The nose gear completely separated, directional control was lost, the gyroplane rolled, and the rotor blades impacted terrain. There was no fuel spill and no postimpact fire. After the gyroplane came to rest on its right side the two occupants exited and emergency responders quickly arrived."
August 9th 2015 - Humboldt, Dakota City, Iowa, USA - RAF 2000 - N315LK - Fatal accident - FAA Preliminary report states " EXPERIMENTAL RAF 2000 GT AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, HUMBOLDT, IA." The gyrocopter appears to have crashed into a residential garden. The pilot was killed in the accident. A passenger was injured. Local media name the pilot as Larry Erickson.
UPDATE - NTSB Preliminary says "On August 9, 2015, about 1855 central daylight time, a Larry D Erickson RAF 2000 GT rotorcraft, N315LK, was substantially damaged after impacting terrain near Humboldt, Iowa. The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger was seriously injured. The rotorcraft was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, with no flight plan filed. The local flight departed from Humboldt Municipal Airport (0K7), Humboldt, Iowa at an unknown time.
A witness noticed the rotorcraft enter into a steep descent with a reduction in engine noise, followed by an increase in engine noise. The rotorcraft subsequently impacted a tree and fell to the ground, which damaged the fuselage. Several segments of the engine's 3-bladed propeller were located as far as 200 feet from the main wreckage. The propeller was retained for further examination.
At 1915, the weather observation station at Fort Dodge Regional Airport, Fort Dodge, Iowa, located about 12 miles south of the accident site, reported the following conditions: wind 120 degrees at 3 knots, 10 miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 25 degrees C, dew point 20 degrees C, altimeter setting 29.92 inches of mercury."
News link to fatal RAF 2000 gyrocopter accident 9.8.15
9th-August-2015 - Cannon's Creek, Warneet, near Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - G-4848 - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter which took off from Tyabb airfield is believed to have hit power cables and then crashed into an estuary ending up on its righthand side half submerged under water. The pilot was killed and the passenger was rescued with serious injuries. Local media name the pilot as Carl Solomons.
UPDATE - An ASRA update states "At or about mid-day Sunday, a Cavalon gyro with two people on board struck power lines during illegal low level operations. The power lines entangled the gyro resulting in it being catapulted into a creek below. The pilot died but the passenger was flown to hospital in a serious but stable condition.
ASRA has conducted an onsite investigation into the event and is preparing a report for the Victorian Coroner and the Victorian Police.
ASRA Operations wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased."
News Link to Cavalon gyrocopter accident at Warneet, Australia 9-8-15
News link to fatal Cavalon crash at Warneet 9.8.15
ATSB Reference - 201503566
August 8th 2015 - Avontuur, Western Cape, South Afric - RAFSA 2000 GTX SE FI - ZU-RHO - the SA CAA sumary reads - "During initial climb, the main bolt holding one of the rotor blades broke off. " The gyrocopter is believed to have been at a height of approx 7m at the time. The pilot and passenger escaped with minor injuries.
UPDATE - March 2017 - The SA CAA have now published a 51 page report ( Ref 9462 ) into the above RAF 2000 accident - the report details in depth the investigation into the bolt failure and associated hub bar. I'd recommend that anyone flying an RAF 2000 should read this report - the Report PDF can be found via the link below
Link to SA CAA Accident report for RAF 2000 ZU-RHO - Report 9462
4th Aug 2015 - near Los Molinas, Argentina - unknown gyro - unknown registration - Fatal accident. The two seat gyrocopter crashed onto the Highway 75 and burst into flames. The pilot and also the passenger were killed in this accident.
News Link here to fatal gyrocopter accident in Argentina
31-7-15 - Hereford Golf Academy, Hereford, UK - Auto-Gyro Calidus - G-CLDS - the gyrocopter crashed during take off at the golf club. It ended up on its port side. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries.
Link to Calidus accident Herefordshire 31.7.15
UPDATE - the UK AAIB summary states - "The aircraft rotated to an excessive nose-up attitude during a ‘short-field’ takeoff. The aircraft became airborne but its airspeed was too low and reducing. The aircraft turned right and its rotor blades struck the ground. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries but the aircraft was destroyed."
Link to fuller UK AAIB accident report for G-CLDS
July 18th 2015 - Schweighofen, Wissembourg, Germany - Magni M24 Orion - unknown registration - The gyrocopter rolled over whilst making an emergency landing shortly after take off. The pilot and passenger were not injured but damage to the gyrocopter is said to be substantial.
News link to gyrocopter accident at Schweighofen 18.7.15
17-7-15 - Livingston, Texas, USA - Celier Aviation Xenon - N402ED - FAA Preliminary data says the gyro crashed off the runway into grass. The accident is listed as substantial. More details welcomed.
The NTSB published preliminary report states,
On July 17, 2015, about 1500 central daylight time, a Celier Aviation Xenon RST, gyroplane, N402ED, had a partial loss of engine power during takeoff, veered off the runway, and rolled onto its left side at the Livingston Municipal Airport (00R), Livingston, Texas. The private pilot, the sole occupant in the gyroplane, sustained minor injuries. The gyroplane was registered to and operated by the pilot, as a visual flight rules, personal cross-country flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Jennings Airport (3R7), Jennings, Louisiana at 1100 central daylight time.
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge on July 21, 2015, the pilot stated that during the takeoff roll at about 1 foot above ground level he heard a grinding noise originating from the main rotor area directly above him. The pilot reduced the power to idle to abort the takeoff; the gyroplane drifted to the left side of the runway, rolled onto its left side impacting the ground.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, and right tail tube.
UPDATE - The NTSB has now published the Probable Cause report as follows, "The pilot reported that, during takeoff and as the gyroplane was about 1 ft above the ground, he heard a grinding noise originating from the main rotor area directly above him. The pilot reduced the power to idle to abort the takeoff. The gyroplane drifted off the left side of the runway and rolled onto its left side.
During postaccident examination of the gyroplane, flight control continuity was established, and no anomalies were noted. An examination of the main rotor head revealed that the top of the prerotation plate, which is a large-diameter, circular metal plate with a gear-toothed outer edge used to prerotate the main rotor blades for takeoff, displayed evidence of preaccident circumferential scoring. An examination of the prerotation drive housing showed evidence of scoring on the upper portion of the opening through which the prerotation plate is driven. The top of the upper housing assembly also displayed evidence of scoring. Based on the evidence, it is likely that the prerotation housing became misaligned, which resulted in the grinding noise reported by the pilot. However, the misalignment of the prerotation housing would not have led to the loss of directional control.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
- The pilot’s loss of directional control after aborting the takeoff due to a grinding noise coming from the main rotor area, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Link to NTSB report for Xenon gyrocopter accident
July 13th 2015 - St Clair Shores, Michigan, USA - Ultralight gyro - un-registered - The gyrocopter made an emergency landing in an empty school car park. The pilot was uninjured and the gyrocopter undamaged. The battery is believed to have failed causing the fuel pump to stop. The ultralight gyro had it's first flight earlier this week.
News link to ultralight gyrocopter incident 13-7-15
11-7-15 - Bezolles, near Auch, Gers, Dept 32, France - ELA-07 gyrocopter - 32-MO - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter was in the circuit to land when it crashed onto grass and burnt out and was completely destroyed. The 64 year old pilot was killed in the accident.
News link to fatal autogyre accident near Bezolles
UPDATE - Conclusion of BEA report states
"The fall of the autogyro was probably caused by a decrease in the number of rotor revolutions. The investigation could not determine the cause of this loss of turn."
Link to BEA Accident Report for ELA-07 "32-MO"
5th July 2015 - Near Sovdeborg airfield ( ESMI ), Sweden - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - SE-VRL - The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off from Sovdeborg airfield. The gyrocopter climbed to a height of approx 50m but struggled to climb further. The pilot adjusted the variable pitch propeller but speed and height were lost. The pilot turned the gyrocopter to the right and foreced landed in a field. The tail and nose wheel broke off. The pilot and passenger escaped with minor injuries. It is believed the variable pitch propeller was not set correctly for take off.
23-6-15 - Millau-Larzac airfield - Aveyron - France - ELA gyro - 34-ACG - Fatal. The gyrocopter crashed during landing killing the 72 year old pilot. The official BEA report suggests that the welded frame appears to have broken in flight - see BEA report for more details
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident on 23.6.15
UPDATE - link to official BEA accident report for ELA 07 34-ACG
June 22nd 2015 - Pasiano, Italy - Trixy G4-2 gyro - D-MECL - the gyrocopter crashed into a vineyard field shortly after take off. The pilot attempted to return to the airfield. A Trixy spokesman suggested that the pitch of the propeller may have been incorrectly set. The pilot was injured and airlifted to hospital by air ambulance. The pilot and passenger are both from Austria.
News link to Trixy gyro crash in Italy 22-6-15
June 21st 2015 - Saint-Paul de Loubressac, near Cahors, Lot region, France - Magni M22 - 46-FU - c/n 22127204 - Fatal - the gyrocopter was on approach to land at a small airstrip at St Paul when it hit electricity power line wires cutting power to the local village. The 60 year old pilot was killed. The passenger was seriously injured. Local media name the pilot as Thierry Lagane.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in France 21.6.15
Photo link to Magni M22 "46-FU" prior to accident
20-06-15 - Concord, New Hampshire, USA - Dragonfly type gyro - N485MP - take off accident. Pilot uninjured. The NTSB Preliminay report states "
The pilot of the amateur built gyrocopter reported that during taxi to the runway, he was distracted by his electronic altimeter when it entered a sleep mode. After resetting the altimeter, the pilot immediately entered the active runway and initiated the takeoff roll without disengaging the main rotor brake. Subsequently, at 25 miles per hour during the takeoff roll he reported an unusual vibration and a knocking sound. The pilot attempted to reduce speed, but the gyrocopter tipped forward and to the left, the main rotor impacted the ground, and the gyrocopter rolled over on its right side coming to a stop on the runway.
During an interview with the pilot, he explained that the rotor brake must be disengaged before takeoff. He also stated that this accident may have been prevented if the rotor brake was designed in a manner that required manual hand pressure from the pilot.
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyrocopter that would have precluded normal operation. Substantial damage was found along the main rotor and vertical stabilizer.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
- The pilot's inability to maintain direction control during takeoff, which resulted in a roll over. Contributing to the loss of control was the pilot's failure to disengage the main rotor brake prior to takeoff."
Web link to NTSB Preliminary report for gyrocopter accident 20-6-15
June 7th 2015 - Kiruna airfield, Sweden Trixy G4-2R gyrocopter - SE-VRX - the gyrocopter rolled over on landing possibley due to cross winds.
6th June 2015 - Maple Plain airport, Independence, Minnesota, USA - Bensen B8M - N2436 - the vintage gyrocopter crashed into a bean field near the perimeter of the airfield. The 73 year old pilot was able to walk away with minor injuries.
The NTSB Factual report states "The pilot reported that he
was making a low pass by the runway and that the gyroplane began
settling. He reported that he felt a downdraft from the nearby trees
pull the gyroplane down. The pilot reported that he turned down wind to
escape the downdraft, he lost lift, and the gyroplane impacted a field
sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot
reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or
malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded
normal operation."
Link to Bensen B8M crash 6.6.15
Link to NTSB report for Bensen gyro crash 6.6.15
5.6.15 - Sikeston, Missouri, USA - Sport Copter Vortex M912 - N229MG - FAA Preliminary data states ".....EXPERIENCED A HARD LANDING AND TIPPED OVER. SIKESTON, MISSOURI" - The gyro was newly built and registered in Feb 2015.
The NTSB Final Report states "While maneuvering the gyroplane at a low altitude, the pilot inadvertently moved the engine throttle to idle. The pilot initially thought his engine had lost power and proceeded to set up for a forced landing. During the attempted forced landing, the pilot instinctively applied engine power to soften the landing, and the engine responded appropriately. The right main landing gear contacted the terrain, and the gyroplane rolled over. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer. The pilot stated there were no mechanical issues or anomalies noted with the gyroplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation." The report states pilot injuries were minor and that the gyro had flown 20.5 hours.
7-5-15 Near Jakelsfontein, Western Cape, South Africa - ELA 08 gyro - ZU-DYX - the gyrocopter appears to have crashed into coastal sand dunes. Discussion on the AVCOM forum suggests the gyrocopter may have been flying too slow and too low. The rotor blades and tail are damaged.
The SA CAA published this brief summary, "the attitude was too low to get enough airspeed and lift and he was unable to clear the dune field and during an attempted forced landing the wheels got stuck in the sand and the gyrocopter rolled over to the right"
4.5.15 - Private airstrip, near Reading, England, UK - Montgomerie-Bensen B8MR - G-CBNX - the UK AAIB summary states "The pilot commenced his takeoff roll on a grass runway and everything
was normal until the point of rotation, when he reported that a sudden
gust of wind pushed the aircraft sideways. He decided to abort the
takeoff but there was insufficient runway remaining and the aircraft
struck a hedge before coming to rest. The pilot was uninjured but the
aircraft sustained damage."
Link to UK AAIB accident report for Montgomerie-Bensen B8MR accident
1st May 2015 - Near Ravenna , Muskgeon County, Michigan, USA - Bensen B8M - N5606X - the Bensen gyrocopter crashed at approx 12.30pm after taking off from Jenison Riverview airport an hour earlier. A witness said she heard the engine cut out, The gyrocopter appears to have hit low wires and crashed in a dry ditch beside road. The pilot suffered a broken leg and other injuries. Local media name the pilot as 68 year old Steven Lathrop
The NTSB Preliminary report states
On May 1, 2015, about 1225
central daylight time, a homebuilt gyrocopter, N5606X, registered to the
pilot/owner, was destroyed when it collided with power lines while
maneuvering in the vicinity of Ravenna, Michigan. The private pilot, who
was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual
meteorological conditions prevailed in the vicinity and a flight plan
was not filed. The local flight was being conducted under the provisions
of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91. The flight originated from
Riverview, Michigan, about 1125.
The single-seat gyrocopter
wreckage was resting in a deep ditch on the north side of Sherman Road
near the intersection of Wunsch Road in Moorland Township near Ravenna,
MI. Evidence at the accident site showed that the gyrocopter had
impacted 30-foot high power lines, consequently breaking the two of the
lines. The power line pole on the north side of Sherman Road was broken
and unattached to its base. The pilot's headgear showed thermal damage
to the face shield and soot was evident inside of the shield and around
the face relief of the helmet, consistent with electrical arcing. The
helmet was found in a ditch just west of Wunsch Road about 40 feet from
the wreckage.
The gyrocopter's rotor mast was broken off, about
seat height. The rotor blades were coned upward consistent with low RPM
and high loading. The trailing edges of the blades exhibited buckling
between fasteners. One rotor blade had scuff marks on the bottom side.
The other blade had buckling failure in the aft direction. One of the
propeller blades of the pusher propeller was separated and was found
about 50 yards beyond the wreckage. The broken blade leading edge
exhibited leading edge marks consistent with contact with the broken
power line wires.
The Volkswagen engine appeared to be mostly
intact. The crank would rotate by hand, but was limited due to adjacent
impact damage. Automotive gasoline was present in the fuel filter and
some gas was dripping out of the carburetor when first responders
arrived. The broken ends of the power lines showed some broom straw
signatures, some cut failures, and some right angle bending near the
wire failures. The wires consisted of five aluminum wires wrapped about
a steel core.
News link to Bensen B8M accident 1.5.15
May 2015 - Russia - RFD Dominator - unknown registration - the gyrocopter crashed during take off - a video of the accident can be seen on Youtube
Link to video of Dominator accident May 2015 - Russia
30-4-15 - Bénifontaine airfield, near Lens, Dept 62, France - ELA gyrocopter - 62-AYF - Fatal. The two seat gyrocopter took off at approx 7pm when it struck a parachutist at a height of approx 20m who was just about to land. The gyrocopter shredded the parachute causing the parachutist to plummet to the ground. The gyrocopter came down abruptly and rolled over on to its right side with the rotors breaking off. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The 32 year old parachutist is believed to have suffered a heart attack after the collision and died later in hospital.
News link to collision between a gyrocopter and a parachutist in France 30.4.15
26th April 2015 - Balatonfokajar, Hungary -Apollo AG-1 - OM-M509
- The gyrocopter crashed during take off. The Hungarian KBSZ report
states "The aircraft dropped from a height of about two metres during
take off and rolled on its side. The pilot broke his hand and was
transported to hospital" The damage to the Apollo gyrocopter is listed
as substantial.
Link to KBSZ report summary for Apollo AG-1 gyrocopter accident 26.4.15
April 20th-2015 - Approx 18nm NE of Citrusdal, Western Cape, South Africa - Magni M16 - ZU-DNH - Fatal. The gyrocopter crashed during a commercial aerial application flight. The pilot was killed.
The SA CAA summary report says "According to witnesses the aircraft dropped lower and flew across without spraying the insecticide. The aircraft made a tight left turn and there after it went straight to the ground banking left"
16-4-15 - Florida, USA - RFD Dominator - N369KA - FAA Preliminary info states that the two seat Dominator gyrocopter made forced landing in a field near Myakka City FL. It has been suggested that the Subaru EA81 engine suffered carburettor icing. The pilot and his passenger were unhurt.
FAA Preliminary - "AIRCRAFT, ROTOR FLIGHT DYNAMICS GYROCOPTER, FORCE LANDED IN A FIELD, NEAR MYAKKA CITY, FL"
Discussion on RWF regarding this Dominator accident
The above accident does not appear on the NTSB
8-4-15 - Damyns Hall airfield, Essex, UK - Auto-Gyro Calidus - G-PCPC - The UK AAIB accident report summary reads "The gyroplane began to move forward against the brakes before sufficient
rotor rpm had been achieved for takeoff. The pilot responded by
re-positioning the control stick fully aft and the rotors struck the
tailplane. The pilot lost directional control and the right landing
gear subsequently failed, causing the gyroplane to tip onto its right
side. The pilot was uninjured"
Links to UK AAIB accident report for G-PCPC
April 1st 2015 - Zephyrhills, Florida, USA - Apollo AG-1 - N914AG c/n USA220713 - the Apollo gyrocopter crashed during a flight demonstration. Two people were on board the AG-1 at the time one receiving back injuries.
March 30th 2015 - Old Warden airfield, Bedfordshire, UK - Magni M24C Orion - G-YROD - the UK AAIB summary states,
The gyrocopter was almost new having been registered in November 2014.
Link to UK AAIB accident report for Magni M24C Orion G-YROD
News interview with the pilot of G-YROD talking about accident
25-3-15 - Uitenhage, South Africa - RAF 2000 GTX SE FI - ZU-DVB - Fatal - the gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off a few hundred metres from the airfield at Uitenhage. The gyrocopter subsequently caught fire. Both the pilot and the passenger were killed in this accident.
A preliminary SA CAA summary states ""According to the witness, the aircraft took from runway 26 and climb without incident. On downwind at about 200 feet AMSL the aircraft pitched to a nose down attitude where after it crashed into a bushy terrain and burst into flames""
News link to RAF gyrocopter accident at Uitenhage South Africa
March 25 2015 - Pfarrweisach, near Bamberg, Germany - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - D-MOIX - the gyrocopter crashed onto a slopping grass field between the villages of Pfarrweisach and Kraisdorf during the early afternoon. The 44-year-old passenger was slightly injured whilst the 51-year-old pilot escaped without injury. A possible engine problem caused the pilot to make an emergency landing during which the gyrocopter clipped tree tops just before hitting the ground.
News link and photos to accident at Pfarrweisach
Further link and news photo for gyrocopter accident near Pfarrweisach
More news about the MTOsport at Pfarrweisach
March 8th 2015 - Leimbach, Thann, Alsace, France - Magni M16 Tandem Trainer - Registration unknown ( Dept 68 ? ) - the gyrocopter crashed at approx 6pm on a steep slope on the edge of Leimbach village. The 79 year old pilot a resident of the village was recovered concious and taken to hospital.
News link to gyrocopter accident at Leimbach, France 8.3.15
Feb 24th 2015 - North West of Vredendal, Western Cape, South Africa - RAFSA 2000 - ZU-RKO - c/n M2-01-07-11-039 - the SA CAA accident summary states ""While on roll for take-off at approximately 25mph for a local flight, whirlwind struck the gyro and the main rotor struck the ground causing it to roll over""
Feb 4 15 - near Charlottesville, North Carolina, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N595X - the FAA preliminary report states, "N595X Calidus AutoGyro GMbH experimental gyrocopter on take off from a field, sustained minor damage, 12 miles from Charlottesville, Virginia VA."
N595X was registered new in December 2014 and has construction number C00350.
UPDATE - The NTSB Probable Cause report states "After departing from the airport where the pilot kept the gyroplane, he flew to his family farm and landed without incident on a 1,500-foot-long grass polo field. Later on, during an attempted takeoff from the same field, when the gyroplane was traveling at 25 to 30 knots and was about 150 feet into the takeoff roll, the gyroplane rose to a balanced position on its main wheels, but then began to bounce up and down violently. The pilot then lost control of the gyroplane and it rolled over on its left side about 300 feet into the takeoff roll. The pilot advised that there was nothing mechanically wrong with the gyroplane. He further advised that it was "pilot error" and that he had "over advanced" the blades by pushing the control stick too far forward and that the blades were not yet at speed (too low a rotor rpm) when he did it. The pilot was not injured, but the gyroplane incurred damage to the rotor blades, the pusher propeller, the horizontal stabilizer, the vertical stabilizer, the rudder, the engine cowling, and the wheel pants.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
- The pilot's improper control inputs which resulted in a loss of control and rollover during the takeoff roll.
News link for Calidus N595X
Jan 18 2015 - Bribie Island near Caboolture, , Queensland, Australia - registration unknown - RAF 2000 gyrocopter - the ATSB summary states "During the cruise, the gyrocopter lost power and the pilot conducted a forced landing on a beach. An inspection revealed the propeller drive belt had failed." The incident is listed as a Serious Incident
ATSB Ref 201500079
16-1-2015 - Sikorya Juski, Stare Juchy, Poland - ELA 07 - SP-XREY - the ELA gyrocopter crashed into woods approx three minutes after take off. The pilot was severely injured. At the time of take off the outside air temperature was said to be 0c.
LINK to news report of ELA gyrocopter accident in Poland
Jan 6th 2015 - Near Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N50NE - the gyrocopter accident happened in high mountainous terrain in unknown circumstances maybe as high as 8,000ft ASL. A large search and rescue party found the pilot and passenger. One person was evacuated to hospital by CareFlight air ambulance with a back injury. The second person initially declined hospital treatment but was later transferred to hospital too. The Sheriff's office say ""The two men are from Utah and were travelling back to Spanish Fork, Utah, when the gyroplane crashed on private property, in a very remote area of Western Colorado.""
More info on link below
News link to local Sheriffs Office
UPDATE - the NTSB published the Probable Cause report on 10th March 2015 as follows,
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
- The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with terrain that was along the planned route of flight.
2014
December 14th 2014 - Bailleul, near Lille, France - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - registration unknown - The red gyrocopter crashed very closed to the A25 motorway. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. A nearby power cable was broken too, news reports say it is unclear if this was the cause of the crash or if it was broken as the gyro made an emergency descent. The gyrocopter appears to be written off.
News link to autogire accident at Bailleul in December 2014
7-12-14 - Camarenilla, Toledo, Spain - ELA 07 - EC-ZPB - The gyrocopter was badly damaged. More details welcomed.
27th Nov 2014 - Chendaliang, Hengshan County, Shaanxi province, China - registration unknown - Auto-Gyro Calidus - the gyrocopter struck high voltage power lines during flight training. The student pilot and the instructor were injured.
News link to Calidus accident in China 27.11.14
Nov 23 2014 - Morningstar airfield, Western Cape, South Africa - Auto-Gyro Calidus - ZU-RGU - the gyrocopter overturned on its righthand side just after landing. The pilot was on his first solo and had made a good landing.
The SA CAA accident summary states ""The pilot stated that as he came into land on runway 20, he applied excessive left rudder to try and align the aircraft with the middle of the runway""""
An AVCOM forum thread discussing this accident can be found here
http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=147239
21st Nov 14 - Mount Sylvia, near Gatton, Queensland, Australia - registration unknown - gyrocopter type unknown - Fatal - The gyrocopter impacted bush terrain and caught fire. A witness suggested that the engine had stopped in flight. The pilot was killed. Local media name the pilot as Ted Hurley.
Link to fatal gyrocopter accident in Queensland 21.11.14
1-11-14 - Shoreham airport, England, UK - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - G-JBRE - the UK AAIB summary report states "During the initial part of an attempted takeoff from Runway 20 at Shoreham Airport, the gyroplane rotors came into contact with the propeller causing damage to the rotor blades, the tips of the propeller blades and the tailplane. The pilot rejected the takeoff and steered the gyroplane into the grass at the side of the runway. The control inputs and forward speed were inappropriate for the rotor speed, resulting in retreating blade stall. The pilot did not have much experience of busy airfields and believes this was a factor."
Link to UK AAIB report for accident 1.11.14
Oct 24th 2014 - Bellegarde-Vovray airfield ( LFHN ), Ain, France - Auto-Gyro Calidus - 83-AMW- the gyrocopter crashed onto the grass at the airfield - news reports suggest it fell from approx 25m in gusty wind conditions. The 68 year old pilot was taken to hospital with several broken bones. It has been suggested that the canopy opened during flight.
News Link to Calidus accident in France 24.10.14
22 10 14 - Near Windhoek, Namibia, Africa - V5-UMO - Celier Aviation Xenon - the gyrocopter is believed to have suffered engine failure after departing from Eros airport and came down in bushes near the Prosperita industrial area on the outskirts of city. Shortly after take off the pilot decided to turn back due to engine power concerns. The Xenon force landed into bushes breaking the twin rear booms. The pilot and his pet dog passenger survived the accident with just scratches. This Xenon was built in 2009.
News link to Xenon gyrocopter accident in Namibia
News links to Xenon accident Namibia October 2014
Video link to TV news report for Xenon accident in Namibia
19.10.14 - Surany airfield, Slovakia ( LZSY ) - Janos Darus Sky Star - OM-M506 - c/n SS001/DJ - the gyrocopter ( Hungarian built MTOsport lookalike ) crashed on the grass at the airfield coming to a rest on its starboard side. The rotors were destroyed. The gyrocopter is likely to be a write off. More details of this accident would be welcome.
Link to news report with images of accident at Surany Slovakia
Oct 13th 2014 - Vilshofen airfield, Germany - unknown gyrocopter - unknown registration -The gyrocopter pilot was a student pilot and had flown to Vilshofen from Passau. The accident happened as the gyrocopter touched down on the runway. The 42 year old pilot from Austria escaped with minor injuries. The gyrocopter is believed to have suffered major damage. More details welcomed - thanks.
News link to gyrocopter accident at Vilshofen 13.10.14
4th October 2014 - Colorado River, Fruita, near Loma, Colorado, USA - Celier Aviation Xenon - N719MB - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter is believed to have hit power lines above the Colorado River - the local power company reported power blackouts in the area. The Xenon gyrocopter fell into the River Colorado killing both the pilot and the passenger. A news photo shows an inverted Xenon in the river. Local fisherman tried to assist at the scene. The gyrocopter had departed from Grand Junction airport. Local media name the occupants as pilot Mark Shook and passenger Rebecca Molle.
NTSB Preliminary report states "" On October 4, 2014, about 1817 mountain daylight time, a Celier Aviation model Xenon R gyroplane, N719MB, was destroyed when it impacted power transmission wires near Loma, Colorado. The commercial pilot and passenger received fatal injuries. The aircraft was registered to Western Centurion LLC, and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not on a flight plan. The local flight originated from the Grand Junction Regional Airport, Grand Junction, Colorado, about 1800.""
News link to Xenon crash into Colorado River
Oct 1st 2014 - near Rostraver airport ( KFWQ ), Monongahela, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, USA - Air Command 582 gyrocopter - unregistered no "N" number - Fatal accident. The single seat gyrocopter took off early evening and failed to return. An initial search later that evening failed to find any trace. A resumed search the following morning found the wreckage in a densely wooded ravine area about 2,000 feet from the end of the Rostraver Airport runway. Local media name the pilot as David Charletta and suggest he had owned the gyrocopter since Spring 2014.
FAA Preliminary report says “AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES 2000 FEET FROM THE END OF RUNWAY 26 AT ROSTRAVER AIRPORT, MONONGAHELA, PENNSYLVANIA”
UPDATE - part of the NTSB preliminary report states "According to the Westmorland County, Pennsylvania Coroner's Summary Report, the accident pilot was last observed flying the single-seat gyroplane about 1350 on the day of the accident. When the pilot did not meet his family later that evening, they reported him missing. The wreckage was subsequently located the following day about 0915, about 750 feet east of the runway 26 threshold at FWQ."
Link to news report for fatal gyrocopter accident in Pennsylvania 1.10.14
Link to NTSB Preliminary report for Air Command gyrocopter accident
September 28 th 2014 - near Castellazzo Novarese, Italy - unknown autogyro - registration unknown - Fatal. The gyrocopter crashed between Casaleggio and Castellazzo shortly after take off.
Link to gyrocopter accident in Italy Sept 2014
Sep 27 2014 - near Großweikersdorf, Tulln, Austria - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - D-........ ? - Two gyrocopters were taking part in an air-air photo session. The subject gyrocopter hit a power line and was able to make an emergency landing into a corn field. The power line remained unbroken. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The local fire services helped recover the gyrocopter from the corn field.
News link to Gyrocopter incident in Austrai 27.9.14
27-9-14 - Near Mt Magnet aerodrome, Windsor Station, Western Australia, Australia - Peter Green type gyro - registration unknown - The ATSB accident summary states, "During the take-off run, the left tyre deflated causing the rim to dig into the dirt runway surface. The gyrocopter rolled left and came to rest on its side. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the gyrocopter was substantially damaged."
ATSB Ref 201408001
2014 Sept 21st - St John The Baptist Parish airport, Reserve, Louisiana, USA - RAF 2000 - N5002E - Fatal accident. Initial news reports suggest that moments after take off as the gyrocopter began a turn parts of the rotor blades broke off. The gyrocopter fell and crashed into a water filled ditch within the airport boundary killing both the pilot and the young passenger.
Local media report the pilot as 48-year-old Darren Mahler, of Metairie, and the passenger as 13 year old Payton Wilt.
UPDATE - The NTSB Preliminary report states "Witnesses reported seeing the gyroplane take off on runway 35, turn left onto the crosswind leg, and climb to about 200 feet. They saw "something fall off" the gyroplane, then the rotor blades folded, and the gyroplane crashed into a canal and submerged."
News link to gyrocopter accident at St John The Baptist Parish airport, LA
News link to RAF 2000 gyrocopter accident - wreckage recovery
Web link to St John The Baptist airport website
Web link to photo of RAF 2000 N5002E dated 2007
Link to official NTSB Preliminary Report
UPDATE - the NTSB Probable Cause report states, "NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.Witnesses reported observing the gyroplane take off from the runway, turn left onto the crosswind leg, and climb to about 200 ft. They then saw something fall off the gyroplane before it crashed into an adjacent canal and sank. Postaccident examination revealed that the flight control rod bearing stud exhibited extensive corrosion, consistent with the crack being present before impact. When the rod bearing failed, the main rotor blades went to full pitch, which placed an excessive load on the rotor mast. The rotor mast then folded, which allowed the pusher propeller to strike and sever the tail. The pilot had owned the airplane for 3 years; no records for the gyroplane were located.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows: The failure of the flight control rod bearing due to an undetected preexisting corrosion-induced crack, which resulted in the main rotor blades going to full pitch and the rotor mast folding; this allowed the pusher propeller to strike and sever the tail.""
Sep 7th 2014 - Maun airport, Botswana, Africa - Wagtail Trojan - ZU-RKJ - c/n 1306 - After landing the Trojan gyrocopter is believed to have suffered a nose wheel collapse whilst taxying. The gyrocopter then rolled over to the left with damage to the rotors and propeller.The nose wheel will be sent for metallurgic analysis.
News link to Wagtail Trojan accident at Maun 7.9.14
Link to dialogue on this incident on the AVCOM forum
August 31 2014 - Sainte-Rose, Reunion Isles, Indian Ocean - DTA J-RO - 974-OA - the J-RO gyrocopter operating from Rolland-Garros international airport was operating a sight seeing flight to volcanic areas. Low cloud around a mountain forced the pilot to descend. At the same time the EFIS and EMS displays flickered on and off. The pilot noticed he could outclimb the rising terrain and choose to make a forced landing in an old lava field. The gyrocopter rolled and was destroyed. The pilot and passenger set off to walk cross country. Rescue services commenced a search and found the abandoned gyrocopter. The pilot and passenger were found after they had been walking for three hours across rough terrain. The gyrocopter was not fitted with any emergency location device and there were no mobile phone signals at this remote location.
Source BEA
UPDATE
Link to BEA accident report for DTA J-RO "974-OA"
31.8.14 - Kentmorr Airpark, Stevensville, Maryland, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N470CH - the FAA preliminary reports that during an unplanned landing the Cavalon landed short of the runway and ran into a ditch. The instructor and student escaped with minor injuries. The gyrocopter has been returned to Auto-Gyro USA and is believed to have major damage.
UPDATE 1.11.14 - The FAA NPTRS report states "...the aircraft lost engine power and that the pilot attempted to land on runway 28 at Kentmorr but landed short of the runway in a ditch. During the landing the rotor blades contacted the ground." A later section of the report states that "Maintenance crew found no discrepancies with the engine. The aircraft log book had no past history of engine failure. A 15 minute hi-power engine run noted no discrepancies."
Source FAA
Aug 31 2014 - Springs airport ( FASI ), Gauteng, South Africa - ELA 07 - ZU-DSL - the SA CAA summary report states - "On touched down he was unable to maintain directional control and the gyro veered off the runway surface to the right onto the dry grass due to sudden gust of wind ."
Source SA CAA
UPDATE - November 2016 - The official SA CAA accident report has now been published - to view the report PDF visit the following link and open Report #9354 Year 2014.
The synopsis of the report states "The pilot accompanied by a passenger approached runway 03 at FASI for landing. On touch down the aircraft veered off the grass runway. The nose wheel impacted a
protruding heap of grass, which caused the nose wheel fork to break and the nose gear to
collapse. The gyrocopter then rolled over onto its right hand side.
The aircraft was substantially damaged and the occupants evacuated without injury.
Following the accident the pilot stated that prior to touch down a gust of wind from the left
forced the gyrocopter into a sideways attitude. The pilot did not correct for this sudden gust
and when the aircraft touched down a subsequent loss of directional control resulted.""
26/8/14 - Delissaville, Northern Territory, Australia - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - registration unknown - The ATSB accident summary states, "During takeoff, the gyrocopter pitched up and rolled left. The pilot was unable to regain control of the gyrocopter before it impacted the runway resulting in substantial damage."
ATSB Ref 201407891
23rd August 2014 - Near Athenry, County Galway, Eire - RFD Dominator - EI-EZY - The AAIU Eire accident report summary states "The Pilot departed from the garden at his residence for a one hour local flight. This site was where the gyroplane was based. At the end of the flight he made a normal approach to land back in the garden. On final approach at low height, the gyroplane experienced some sink. The Pilot applied power but the gyroplane landed somewhat heavily, the nosewheel leg fractured and the gyroplane toppled over sustaining substantial damage"
Link to official AAIU Report and PDF file for Dominator accident EI-EZY
Aug 6th 2014 - Oroville, California, USA - Unknown gyrocopter type - possible Air Command - unregistered - Whilst taxying the gyrocopter rolled over onto its side causing minor damage. Forum threads suggests the pilot may have attempted a take off without training.
Source FAA Preliminary Report
Link to discussion on the Rotary Wing Forum
August 3rd 14 - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Auto-Gyro - believed to be MTOsport - Fatal accident. The pilot and passenger were both killed when the gyrocopter crashed near the runway and caught fire.
News link to gyrocopter accident in Saudi Arabia
News with Jeddah gyro wreckage photo
2-8-14 - Near Vrboska, Hvar, Croatia - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - 9A-MIC - the gyrocopter lost height moments after take off from Hvar and made an emergency landing, hitting a stone wall around a vineyard. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries.
News link to MTOsport accident in Croatia 8.14
31 Jul 2014 - Koszalin airflield ( EPKZ ), Poland - Brako Gyro - 33-ALK ( French registration ) - the Brako gyrocopter was prepared for a ground engine run. Upon starting the engine from outside of the cockpit, the engine went to full power and the machine accelerated away. The owner was slightly hurt. The Brako gyrocopter travelled approx 50m begfore hit two parked cars and the hanger before coming to a rest. The gyro had only returned to Poland the day before after repairs in Italy from an earlier incident.The report says the throttle was fully open and that gyro was not restrained by chocks or anything else.
Link to Polish PKBWL report in the Brako gyrocopter accident
2014 July 23 - near Jaroslawiec, Poland - Szponder Twister - A21-MMS. Fatal accident - the gyrocopter crashed into the Baltic Sea killing the 25 year old pilot. The Szponder Twister was a home made tandem seat gyrocopter with a twin boom. The gyrocopter operated with an American ASC registration A21-MMS see photo below,
News link to accident at Jaroslawiec
17-7-14 - near Les Pradeaux, Dept 63, France - Magni M24 Orion - 43-ZI - the gyrocopter hit electricity lines whilst flying airfield circuits and crashed into the shallow River Alier.
News link to M24 Orion accident at Les Pradeaux
July 17th 2014 - near Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Magni M16 Tandem Trainer - N216MG - construction number 16-01-1774 - the gyrocopter hit a low level domestic power cable near a property. The pilot sustained injuries to his neck area. The gyrocopter crashed into an adjacent bean field. It is said the pilot had acquired his solo licence just the day before. The pilot was taken to hospital.
UPDATE - the NTSB Factual report states "The pilot reported that he was performing a local flight in a gyroplane. He stated that he flew the gyroplane for an unknown period of time and then regained consciousness in a field after the accident. He reported that there was a transection of a nearby power line and that the gyroplane suffered damage to the propeller, main rotor, landing gear, and fuselage. He reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the gyroplane.
A witness reported seeing the gyroplane flying about 20 to 30 feet above ground level. He stated the pilot was waving at him. He noticed that the gyroplane was heading for a set of power lines nearby and he began waving to the pilot as a warning. The witness reported that the gyroplane struck the top wire of the power transmission wires, and then lost control and impacted the ground."
News link to Magni accident 17th July 2014 in Missouri
News link to Magni accident at Cape Giradeau
Link to NTSB report for Magni gyro accident 17,7,14
July 2014 11th - Near El Berriel airfield, Gran Canaria, Spain - EC-GJ4 - ELA 07 R100 - the gyrocopter appeared to suffer an engine failure 30 seconds after take off. The pilot managed to make an emergency landing among rocks on the nearby coastline. Neither the pilot nor the passenger were hurt and damage to the gyro appears minimal.
Link to gyrocopter incident at El Berriel July 2014
Official incident report
10th 7 2014 - Lada airfield, Summerfield, Petersburg, Monroe County, Michigan, USA - Homebuilt Air Command 532 type gyro - unregistered - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter crashed approximately 1/4 mile from the airfield into a farm field. The incident was unknown at the time and a search was not conducted until the following day. Local media name the pilot as Kenneth West aged 69 years.
This gyro has been described as being a low rider, with no HS and a large engine.
News link to gyrocopter crash at Summerfield
Photo link to gyrocopter crash at Summerfield
Part of the NTSB Preliminary report states, "Examination of the engine revealed that the forward spark plug of the two-cylinder, two-stroke, Rotax model 532 engine was loose and could be removed by hand without the aid of any tools. No additional preimpact anomalies were noted with the engine that would have prevented its normal operation. Additionally, there was limited damage to the 3-blade propeller, the throttle was found in the full-aft position, and there was the smell of automobile fuel present at the accident site."
Link to NTSB Preliminary Report into fatal gyrocopter accident 10.7.14
July 4 2014 - Buffalo Municipal Airport, Missouri - unknown gyrocopter - unregistered - FAA preliminary accident data refers to a take off accident at Buffalo airport - the gyrocopter crashed onto the runway causing substantial damage to the gyrocopter and minor injuries to the pilot. As an unregistered ( ultralight ? ) gyro this accident is unlikely to appear in the NTSB reports.
Source FAA
22nd June 2014 - Atherton, Queensland, Australia - Celier Aviation Xenon - registration unknown - The ATSB accident summary states, "During the take-off, the gyrocopter pitched forward and collided with the runway. The gyrocopter was substantially damaged and the pilot was seriously injured."
ATSB ref 201404532
22 6 14 - Ruvina airfield, Sabugal, Portugal - Magni M-22 Voyager - 16-MK ( French registration ) - the gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off after gaining height of approx 50m. The gyrocopter lost height and impacted the ground before catching fire. The pilot and passenger escaped with minor injuries. The gyrocopter was destroyed.
 |
| photo courtesy GPIAA of Portugal |
June 20 2014 - Buhlow Lake airfield, Pineville, Louisiana, USA - Bensen B8M gyrocopter - N31234 - local news reports say the Bensen gyrocopter flipped on the runway after a hard landing. The pilot Bill Wieger was taken to hospital for observation. This gyro was originally built in 1979 and is believed to be powered by a Continental engine. The news link below shows photos of the damaged Bensen.
Link to Bensen accident at Buhlow Lake, LA
2014 June 13th - Stellenbosch airfield, South Africa - Auto-Gyro Calidus - ZU-RRP c/n C00288 - The gyrocopter crashed during take off. The pilot suffered serious injuries.
The SA CAA summary tells us - "The evidence is that shortly after take-off from the runway, the Gyrocopter was involved in an accident"
News link to Calidus accident at Stellenbosch June 2014
UPDATE - November 2016 - The official SA CAA accident report has now been published - to view the report PDF visit the following link and open Report #9328 Year 2014.
The synopsis of the report states "According to the pilot the aircraft indications on the engine parameters were normal. Seconds after entering the
threshold of Runway 01 in preparation for take-off, the pilot completed his pre-rotation take-off procedures. At 210
revolutions per minute (RPM) the pilot disengaged the brake and throttled up. Feeling drag on the rotor, he
increased the engine RPM. The front end pitched up, which resulted in the tail section making contact with the
runway. The pilot lost control of the aircraft and it started cartwheeling to the left of the runway.
One of the witnesses reported that he was about 80 metres from the aircraft. The witness further stated that,
everything happened too fast, but it looked as if the rotor disc moved back and to the right, as the witness could
see the bottom of the rotor disc. The tail section hit the ground, and it looked as if the rotor tip struck the runway
to the right rear of the aircraft. The aircraft then lifted briefly and rolled to the left. The aircraft hit the ground nose
first, bounced and flipped three times. It then struck the ground again and ended up with the bottom of the aircraft
facing the witness. The gyroplane was extensively damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot was
seriously injured.
The investigations found no abnormalities on the aircraft. However, it was established that the pilot took off
prematurely (induced the aircraft), which resulted in the gyrocopter making contact with the runway, the pilot
losing control and the gyrocopter veering off to the left of Runway 01.""
The report states that the pilot had just 8.8 flight hours on type.
7.6.14 - Sweden - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - SE-VRL - Take off accident resulting in the gyro rolling over and sliding along the ground. It is suggested that the pilot did not monitor rotor RPM and was unable to correct a yaw to the left before rolling over.
June 2014 5th - Noskowie, near Slupsk, Poland - Brako Gyro - 33-ALK - the gyrocopter crashed during take off from a narrow public road in a rural location. The Brako gyro rolled over into a ditch - the pilot was rescued by a local resident. Extensive damage caused to the mast and blades. The pilot is said to be German. The gyrocopter appears to have a French Dept registration.
News link to Brako accident 5.6.14
140528 - Dahlem-Binz airfield, Germany - Rotortec Cloud Dancer CD2 - D-MIKU - the gyrocopter was completely destroyed by fire at the airfield. The 71 year old pilot suffered serious injuries. The news report suggest the gyrocopter was almost brand new. It is unclear if this was a flying accident ( unfall ) or a ground accident.
News Link for gyrocopter accident at Dahlem 28 May
Another News link to gyro accident at Dahlem Binz
May 26 14 - Weaverville airfield, California, USA - Modified Bensen gyro - Fatal accident. The pilot was seriously injured in a gyrocopter crash whilst taxying the gyrocopter at the airfield. The pilot was not wearing a helmet and suffered head injuries when the gyro rolled over. The gyrocopter is said to have never been flown. The 70 year old pilot subsequently died of his injuries in hospital. Local media name the pilot as Philip E Watkins.
Thanks to RWF for additional info about this incident.
22nd May 2014 - Bremgarten airfield, Germany - unknown gyro type - D-M........ - The student pilot had completed a solo flight and landed. With the engine still running wires from the headphones are said to have got caught on controls that caused the gyro to accelerate and then roll over. The pilot was unhurt. The gyro suffered major damage.
News link to gyrocopter accident at Bremgarten 22.5.14
19 May 2014 - Grasmere Farm strip, Eastern Cape, South Africa - Auto-Gyro Calidus - ZU-RKT and Auto-Gyro MTOsport ZU-RBJ - After landing at a private farm the Calidus ZU-RKT collided with a parked MTOsport ZU-RBJ. Both gyrocopters rolled over and sustained substantial damage. A photo shows damage to the propeller and rotor on the Calidus with unknown damage to the MTOsport. The SA CAA say "The pilot reported that during landing, his gyroplane swung to the right and he was unable to correct his direction away from the parked gyrocopter."
Source - Jankelow and SA CAA
May 17 14 - Lady Grey area, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - ZU-REI - The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take-off from a farm strip and was completely burnt out by a post impact fire. The pilot was injured in the accident. The SA CAA say "According to the pilot after lift-off, at a height of approximately 150 ft, the engine lost power and the aircraft couldn’t maintain height"
Source - Jankelowand SA CAA
April 30 - Springs airfield ( FASI ) , South Africa - ELA 08 - ZU-RCO - The take-off was uneventful. The student landed back on runway 32, while taxing to the hangar the student pilot applied left rudder to turn left while the rotor rpm was slightly high and the gyrocopter tipped over to its right hand side.
Source - SA CAA
23rd April 14 - Malung airfield, Sweden - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - SE-VJM - The gyrocopter was being flown by alone by a student practising touch and goes. After several successful touch and goes a gust of wind from the left as the gyro rotated to lift off again caused the gyro to roll on to its side.
April 19th 2014 - Kiruna airfield ( ESNQ ), Sweden - Trixy Aviation G4-2R - SE-VRX - The gyrocopter crashed during take off rolling onto its side and sliding for approx 30m. It is suggested that the pilot did not acheive enough rotor RPM to meet the head wind to prevent blade flapping. A news report says "A gyrocopter that was about to start crashed at Kiruna airport this morning at 7:00. Gyrocopter was on the runway when it tipped and went into the hill and the rotor blades struck the ground. According to emergency management in Kiruna, it was probably the wind cause of the accident."
News link to gyrocopter accident at Kiruna April 2014
17 4 14 - Mannheim airport, Germany - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - D-M....... - The gyrocopter crashed a few seconds after take off, crashing onto the runway. The pilot from Luxembourg is believed to have minor injuries. The wreckage of the orange coloured gyrocopter was taken away on a flat trailer with undercarriage, tail and rotor damage.
News link for accident at Mannheim 170414
News link with photo of damaged Cavalon at Mannheim 170414
April 15th - Blouberg Farm, Melkbosstrand, Western Cape, South Africa - Magni M-16 Tandem Trainer - ZU-EDB - Fatal accident. The pilot is believed to have taken off from the airfield at Morningstar. The pilot was the holder of a commercial pilot license and was completing a conversion onto a gyrocopter prior to the accident. Local farmers reported seeing smoke rising from the veld and called the fire service. Fire crews discovered a burning gyrocopter. The deceased pilot is said to be aged in his early twenties.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident 150414
UPDATE - November 2016 - The official SA CAA accident report has now been published - to view the report PDF visit the following link and open Report #9312 Year 2014.
The synopsis states "The student pilot was undergoing type training on the Magni gyro and aerial application training. That morning of the accident the pilot carried out this flight exercise with his instructor prior to the accident flight. The student pilot then went solo to repeat the exercise that afternoon. ZU-EDB was expected back at Morningstar airfield at approximately 1600Z. The City of Cape Town fire services was operating on the western site of Blouberg Hill in Cape Town area when they noticed a fire. Upon closer inspection they saw that a gyrocopter was on fire. They extinguished the fire and reported the aircraft accident to FACT ATC. The pilot was fatally injured and the aircraft was consumed by fire. The investigation revealed that the aircraft stalled during a downwind turn of the exercise and crashed resulting with the pilot being fatally injured in the process."
April 2014 - Lipetsk, Russia - RA-0144A - Auto-Gyro Calidus - the gyrocopter hit street power cables before hitting a rooftop and falling onto parked cars in the town. News reports says the pilot encountered a gust of wind whilst trying to land. The gyrocopter and a parked car were extensively damaged.
News link to Calidus accident in Lipetsk April 2014
30.3.2014 - Sendelbach, Bamberg, Germany - D-MSJN - Trixy G4-2R - werk 024 - the Trixy gyrocopter crashed into a water filled ditch alongside the perimeter of the airfield. The pilot was taken to hospital with injuries. News reports suggest the Trixy gyro accelerated across the airfield possibly straight after starting the engine - photos show no apparent damage to the rotors. The nose of the gyro impacted the bank of the ditch.
News link to Trixy gyrocopter accident 30.3.14
Police press release about Trixy gyro accident 30th March
Link to offical German BFU accident report into Trixy gyrocopter accident 30.3.14
March 27 2014 - Napolen Farm, Dwaalboom, Limpopo, South Africa - ZU-RIF - RAF SA 2000 GTX SE FI - c/n 032 - during take off the pilot reported a sudden loss of engine power just as the RAF 2000 gyrocopter rotated to lift off. The pilot made a precautionary landing on a gravel road. The gyrocopter rolled over as the pilot applied the brakes.
Source SA CAA and Jankelow
16th March - Brundee, near Nowra, New South Wales, Australia - G-511 - Advanced Kinetics Gyroz - Fatal - the gyrocopter crashed into a paddock killing the 66 year old pilot. Local media name the pilot as Ken Wilkinson.
5th March - Lydd airfield, Kent, UK - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - G-RDNY - the gyrocopter crashed during take off. The pilot received minor injuries.
The following details are from the pilot "I was given clearance to depart runway 21 with a right hand turn out, I lined up set rpm @ 2000 pre-rotated to 220 rpm engine 4000 rpm,
I then released the brake increased power to gain 50mph prior to raising the nose , (what I did not do was pull the stick back immediately) after
Releasing the brakes , I was trans fixed on the ASI to reach 50mph for a smooth take off, the speed increased very quickly I raised the nose with a very small movement
The nose rose almost to the vertical , the keel and tail were detached by the impact , the gyro then climbed approx 10ft higher then rolled right then back on itself
The rotors then hit the concrete runway 1st which reduced the rate of decent of the cockpit, the cockpit then hit the runway pilot side on.""
The UK AAIB accident report concludes "The student pilot used an incorrect takeoff technique and lost control of the gyroplane as it became airborne. The gyroplane struck the runway and came to rest on its side, suffering extensive damage. The student pilot, who was uninjured, vacated the gyroplane without assistance."
News link to gyrocopter accident at Lydd 5.3.14
Link to official UK AAIB accident report for G-RDNY
28.2.14 - Near Stonehill Farm, Crafordjohn, Lanarkshire, Scotland - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - G-GSMT - The UK AAIB report concludes "One or more seagulls struck the propeller when the aircraft was flying at a height of 500 ft agl. The propeller was damaged and this caused severe vibration, which necessitated a reduction to idle power. During the subsequent forced landing, avoiding action had to be taken when wires were spotted just prior to touchdown. The aircraft landed upright in a shallow river but the rotors struck the far river bank and the aircraft rolled onto its side. The occupants made their own escape and were not injured." UPDATE this gyro was cancelled by the CAA in September 2014.
Link to full UK AAIB report for gyrocopter accident 28.2.14
February 25 2014 - Trier airfield, Germany - Celier Aviation Xenon - 57-BJA ( French ) - The gyrocopter crashed during take off causing extensive damage - see photo on link below
News link to Xenon accident at Trier Feb 2014
Feb 15th 14 - Kitty Hawk, South Africa - ZU-RKC - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - during flight the pilot noticed the water temperature gauge showed an excessive temperature. The pilot made a precautionary landing during which the gyrocopter rolled over and caught fire.
Source - Jankelow
18.1.14 - Kempten-Durach airfield, Germany - D-MFWA - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter crashed during landing at EDMK. News reports suggest that the gyro cartwheeled several times after the blades hit the ground. The pilot was seriously injured and taken to hospital.
News link to MT-03 accident at Kempten 18.1.14
News link to MT-03 gyro accident at EDMK 18.1.14
Link to photo of MTOsport D-MFWA
16th January 2014 - Hooks airport, Harris county, Spring, Texas, USA - N250TX - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter operated by the Tomball Police Dept rolled over whilst taxying just after leaving the runway following a landing. The pilot and observer were uninjured. The gyrocopter has damage to the blades, rotor mast and tail.
Part of the NTSB report states, "The pilot reported that as he was reaching forward to change the pneumatic mode selector button from "Flight" to "Brake," a strong gust of wind from the west lifted the gyrocopter. The right wheel came off the ground allowing the main rotor blade to strike the runway surface. The pilot attempted to straighten the gyroplane, but it veered off the runway and rolled onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage to the empennage and main rotor"
News link to Tomball Police gyrocopter accident 16.1.14
Link to video footage of MTOsport accident at Hooks, Texas 16.1.14
NTSB factual report for N250TX accident 16.1.14
6th January 2014 - Hughenden, Queensland, Australia - Celier Aviation Xenon - During the approach to Hughenden aerodrome in Queensland, the Xenon gyrocopter lost speed and subsequently collided with trees. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
January 5th 2014 - Liernu, Eghezee, Belgium - French Registration - 51-UH - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - Fatal accident - the gyrocopter crashed into a ploughed field in front of a group of spectators. Witnesses said the gyrocopter fell from a height of approx 150m as the pilot displayed. Local media named the pilot as Daniel Luypaert.
Link to news story about MT-03 accident in Belgium 5.1.14
1st Jan 2014 - Ebro, northern Florida - USA - N388HS - Sportcopter Vortex. The pilot was flying the Vortex along a runway when the gyrocopter developed engine problems, possibly a stuck throttle at a height of approx 40 feet. With trees and wires ahead the pilot turned sharply back. The gyro impacted the ground and rolled. The pilot escapred with minor injuries but the gyrocopter was written off.
Link to Rotary Wing Forum thread where the pilot talks about the accident
Photo link to Sportcopter Vortex N388HS
2013
30th December 2013 - Tragwein, Freistadt, Austria - D-MAIV - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter appears to have rolled over on landing in a field with a slope. The rotor blades detached and the propeller shows sign of damage.
The pilot and passenger survived the accident although the passenger was flown by air ambulance to a local hospital.
Link to news story about gyrocopter accident in Austria on 30th December 2013
Dec 28th 2013 - Graveley airfield, Hertfordshire, UK - G-PAFF Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the UK AAIB summary reports "The pilot had just landed from a previous flight and repositioned the aircraft for an immediate takeoff. As he pulled the control column back and advanced the throttle he felt a heavy jolt through the controls. He immediately aborted the takeoff and stopped the aircraft to assess the situation. It became clear that the rotor blades had struck and damaged the top of the rudder. The rotor strike was caused by an excessive rearward tilt of the rotor disc, due to insufficient rotor speed combined with the acceleration of the aircraft."
Read the official UK AAIB report ( see the PDF file ) for MTOsport G-PAFF 28.12.13
21st December 2013 - Kinglake national park, Dixons Creek, Victoria - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - G-2347 - Fatal accident - a two seat gyrocopter crashed during a scenic flight having taken off from Dixons Creek. The pilot and tourist passenger were both killed in the crash in the high ground of Kingslake. The gyrocopter was operated by Yarra Valley Flightsports. Local media name the pilot as Reg Thaggard and the 18 year old passenger as Jordan Pang from Singapore.
Link to news report for fatal gyroplane accident in Victoria 21.12.13
Link to another news report for gyrocopter crash 21.12.13
Link to Yarra Valley Flightsports
December 21st 2013 - Springs aerodrome, South Africa - ZU-RWS - ELA 08 gyro -
December 18th 2013 - Springs aerodrome, South Africa - ZU-RKI - RAFSA 2000 gyro -
2nd December 2013 - Coulommiers-Mouroux, Seine-Marne ( Dept 77 ), France - ELA gyrocopter - 34-AHF - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter was being used for instruction and crashed at the local airfield. Both the student and the instructor pilot were killed.
News link to fatal accident at Coulommiers 2.12.13
November 27th 2013 - Vereeniging airport, South Africa - ZU-DXB - Sycamore gyro - While performing right hand circuits on runway 03, the pilot stated that on downwind of the third circuit the engine died. Details from South African CAA
27.11.13 - Sochazew airfield, Poland - SP-YTS - IL I-28 tractor gyroplane - The prototype of this new modern tractor gyroplane was making its third flight. The gyroplane crashed adjacent to the runway after turning into a headwind. The accident report says the cause of the accident was insufficient directional stability at low speed. It is unclear if this tractor gyro project will continue.
16th November 2013 - Chambers County airport, Anahuac, Texas - Dragonfly - N975DF - Fatal accident. The rotorhead and blades separated from the single seat gyrocopter whilst being flown at a height of approx 200 feet over Anahuac airfield. The gyrocopter crashed into an adjacent field and caught fire. The pilot was killed.
The preliminary NTSB states ""Witnesses told a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector they saw the rotor head separate in flight. The pilot had recently installed the rotor head, and preliminary reports indicate the rotor head bearing block was installed upside down.""
Local media name the pilot as Steve Weir, President of PRA Chapter 62.
Link to preliminary NTSB accident report for Dragonfly gyrocopter at Anahuac, TX
News report for gyrocopter crash at Anahuac Texas 16.11.13
10th November 2013 - Lubbuck airport, Texas, USA - Groen Sparrowhawk II - N130SW - the gyrocopter suffered a landing accident.
20th October 2013 - Festus airport, Missouri, USA - Parsons two seater - N7064U - The gyrocopter is said to have crashed at the airport from a height of approx 20 feet up with a pilot and a passenger on board. One had to be rescued from the wreckage by emergency services and is now in hospital with back injuries.
News link to gyrocopter accident at Festus 20.10.13
News link to gyrocopter accident at Festus 20.10.13
UPDATE - The NTSB accident report published Dec 2013 states ""The sport pilot reported that days prior to the accident flight, he adjusted the propeller and re-installed it without testing its performance. On the accident flight, he departed the runway and remained in ground effect until he reached 50 mph, then began a climb. As he flew the gyroplane to the south, the surrounding terrain elevation decreased and the pilot thought he was climbing. The engine was operating about 6,300 rpm and the airspeed was 40 mph; the engine develops maximum horsepower at 6,750 rpm and the best climb speed is 45 mph. The pilot initiated a left turn to land in a field or back at the airport, but the wind pushed the gyroplane and the pilot lost control. The gyroplane impacted the ground and sustained substantial damage to the tube frame, vertical tail, and rotor blades. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.""
Link to NTSB accident for gyrocopter accident at Festus, MS
12th October 2013 - Sumter airport ( KSMS ), South Carolina, USA - RFD Dominator single seat - N42957 - the gyrocopter was being prepared for flight - the pilot was struck on the legs by the propeller after the gyro jumped its chocks - the pilot may have accidentally knocked the throttle whilst outside the cockpit. The empty gyrocopter continued taxying until it hit a perimeter fence and turned over. The pilot was taken to hospital with injuries to his legs.
Link to gyrocopter accident at Sumter, SC, USA 12.10.13
7th October 13 - Paraje Estacion, Las Minas de Hellin, Albacete, Spain - Magni M16 - EC-GE9 - the gyrocopter was written off after hitting overhead power lines.
1st October 2013 - Trith-Saint-Leger near Valenciennes, France - Guepard II XJ01 gyrocopter - registration unknown - the gyrocopter crashed onto the roof of a building in the town centre - local media suggest that the engine had failed. The pilot received multiple fractures and cuts and was taken to hospital.
News link to gyrocopter crash on 1.10.13
More info about the Guepard II XJ01 gyrocopter here
26th September 2013 - Front Range airport ( KFTG ), Denver, Colorado, USA - Dominator gyro - N728PJ - The single seat Dominator gyrocopter crashed at the airport during take off - the gyrocopter cartwheeled and the pilot received major injuries.
News link to Dominator accident 26.9.13
The NTSB report states, "During the takeoff roll, the pilot stated that the cyclic control slipped out of his hand, followed by an abrupt pitch up of the gyroplane. After becoming airborne for a brief time, the gyroplane descended tail first onto the runway and then cartwheeled several times, coming to rest on its right side. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's loss of control of the gyroplane during takeoff roll, following his inadvertent release of the cyclic control."
Link to NTSB report for Dominator gyrocopter accident 26.9.13
22nd September 2013 - Mazeppa Bay, South Africa - ZU-ERT - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - during climb out with two on board the gyrocopter suddenly descended when at approx 30m and could not gain altitude. The pilot tried to accelerate down into a neighbouring valley, passed under a power line but was boxed in by more power lines and the valley side so made a forced landing. The gyrocopter cartwheeled on landing but both pilot and passenger were able to walk away from the accident. Subsequently after downloading the controller it was discovered that approx 11 seconds after takeoff started the computer opened the engine wastegate leaving the pilot with just 91% power from the 115% expected. The problem was traced to a faulty component in the turbo protection system.
22nd September 2013 - Montpelier airpark, near Townsville, Queensland, Australia - A Magni gyrocopter was hit by a wallaby during its take off roll - the wallaby was killed, the gyrocopter was damaged as it rolled over - the pilot escaped unhurt.
2013.9.13 - Peak to Peak Highway, Colorado, USA - N519SG - Magni M16 Tandem Trainer - the gyrocopter landed on the Peak to Peak Highway facing oncoming traffic between Gold Hill and Nederland. Drivers swerved to avoid the gyrocopter. The gyrocopter is said to have bounced hard on landing. The pilot and passenger brought the gyro to rest on the shoulder of the highway. News report shows a photo of the Magni gyro parked on the roadside. Nederland has an altitude of over 2,000m ( approx 8,000+ feet ). The pilot may have encountered a mountain down draft.
News link to accident in Colorado 13.9.13
Comments on Rotary Wing Forum about this incident
11th September 2013 - La Aldea de San Nicolás, El Pinillo, Gran Canaria, Spain - Airbet Girabet II Sport - EC-GC1 - Fatal accident - the gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off hiting a building and burst into flames. The pilot was killed and the female passenger suffered multiple burns.
News link to Spanish gyrocopter accident 11.9.13
Second News link to accident 11.9.13
8th September 2013 - Brits area, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - ZU-RGL - During approach for landing the gyro experienced windshear which resulted in height loss - the gyrocopter hit vegetation on final approach. - source SA CAA
5th September 2013 - Baragwanath airfield, South Africa - Auto-Gyro Calidus - ZU-RHE - the gyrocopter rolled over during landing - source SA CAA
....... August 2013 - near Alberville, Savoie, France - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - registration ......-VH - The gyrocopter was flying in a mountainous area ( peaks approx 1,500m ). An out field landing was made on sloping terrain and an undercarriage wheel of the gyrocopter went into a hole - the gyro tipped over. The damaged gyro was later removed by helicopter as an underslung load.
Link to forum with photos of MTOsport accident August 2013
31st August 2013 - Scappoose Airpark, Scappoose, Oregon, USA - Sport Copter Vortex - N43259 - Fatal accident. The pilot is said to have been undertaking training along the runway at the airfield before gaining some height and flying beyond the airfield perimeter. Control was lost and the gyrocopter crashed nearby killing the pilot. Local media have named the pilot as Jim LaFayette.
Link to NTSB Preliminary Vortex accident report 31.8.13
News link to Sportcopter Vortex accident on 31.8.13
News update to Sport Copter Vortex accident at Scappoose, OR 31.8.13
UPDATE - the NTSB Final Report states
Most of the gyroplane’s structure was consumed by postimpact fire. Examination of the remaining engine, rotor, and flight control system components did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Witness marks indicated that the engine was producing power during the descent. Damage to the rotor system indicated that the main rotor blades diverged greatly from their track during flight, striking both the forward cabin structure and the engine driven propeller.
The student pilot had very limited flight experience and began his flight training in a fixed wing airplane the year prior. He was not approved for and had not conducted solo flight in the accident gyroplane or any other aircraft."
20th August 2013 - Fisantekraal airfield ( FAFK ), near Durbanville, South Africa - Magni M16 Tandem Trainer - ZU-CVH - the gyrocopter crashed and rolled over during take off causing minor injuries to the pilot and passenger.
News link to Magni M16 accident 20.8.13
13th August 2013 - Montelimar airfield, France - DTA J-RO - registration unknown - the orange DTA J-RO gyrocopter crashed during take off at the airfield. The gyrocopter ended up on its port side. The pilot was removed by emergency services and taken to hospital with injuries to his shoulder and arm.
News link to DTA J-RO accident at Montelimar on 13.8.13
9th August 2013 - Moelan sur Mer, Morbihan, Britany, France - Celier Aviation Xenon - the Xenon was on a flight from Lann Bihoue to Concarneau when the engine faltered. The gyrocopter descended from approx 500ft and landed onto rocks along the estuary of the river Merrien. The pilot and passenger were not injured - the Xenon gyro was recovered ahead of the incoming tide. The pilot is quoted as saying ( Google translation ) ""Apparently, an oil line would have broken: witnesses saw a plume of black smoke behind the camera. I kept it as long as possible in the air to drop to fall vertically and ask ourselves flat on the rocks, to avoid rollover.""
News link to Xenon accident 9.8.13
Photos of Xenon being carried from the rocks 9.8.13
26th July 2013 - Drummondville, Quebec, Canada - C-GMUI - Auto-Gyro Calidus - During take off the gyrocopter rolled over to the left, skidded off the tarmac runway and onto the grass to the left. The main undercarriage detached from the fuselage. The rotor blades were badly damaged. The pilot was able to exit via the large cut outs in the summer style canopy. The pilot suffered injuries to his left elbow.
13th July 2013 - near Wietmarshen, Lower Saxony, Germany - D-MANL - Celier Aviation Xenon G2 - the pilot of the gyrocopter reported a loud bang whilst in flight, a loss of control and made a successful emergency landing beside a narrow forest track. The pilot escaped with minor injuries. This Xenon was delivered new in June 2013 one of a small batch of three Xenon G2 built by the new Celier Aviation ( 2012 ) and had flown 9 flight hours at the time of the accident.
Update - The BFU Accident report was published in October 2013 - Link to BFU Report here
News link to Xenon accident 13.7.13
12th July 2013 - Bryansk, Russia - Auto-Gyro Calidus - RA-0038A - Fatal - the yellow gyrocopter is believed to have hit powerlines across the river Desna before crashing into the water. Two persons on board. The pilot was rescued, the body of the passenger was recovered some hours later. The TV report below shows the wires to be maybe about 10m above the ground.
Link to Russian TV report relating to the accident on 12.7.13
8th July 2013 - Monastir-Pin-Mories, Lozere, Dept 48, France - gyro type unknown - Fatal accident the gyrocopter hit power lines and crashed to the ground killing the pilot and the passenger.
30th June 2013 - Casaleggio airfield, Italy - DTA J-RO - French registered - the gyrocopter was part of a group touring the region. During take off ( believed with a passenger and luggage ) the J-RO failed to climb more than a few meters. The pilot turned the gyro through 180 degrees but sink continued and the gyrocopter hit the grass airfield. The rotors hit the ground with the mast breaking off - the gyro ended up on its side. The gyro was powered by a Rotax 914 engine.
28th June 2013 - Dakenba, Queensland, Australia - Gyrocopter crashed near Dakenba in Western Queensland ( approx 130km from Gladstone ) - the pilot is described as in a critical condition after the gyro hit power cables. The ATSB summary says a Modified Dominator gyrocopter struck an unseen spur line before colliding with terrain. The gyrocopter was destroyed and the pilot was seriously injured. The pilot was conducting a precautionary landing to check the operation of the gyrocopter’s engine cooling system
News link to accident at Dakenba QLD 28.6.13
18th June 2013 - Mount Elliott area, Queensland , Australia - ELA 08 gyrocopter - The ATSB summary states the pilot and passenger of an ELA Tandem gyrocopter were flying from an airfield south-east of Townsville, Qld to a farm to have lunch. On the return trip, they flew via a waterfall at Mount Elliott, about 25 km southeast of Townsville. The pilot reported that on flying up to the waterfall area, he realised that he was a bit low and decided to make a left turn and increase throttle to maximum. As he applied full power, the slipper clutch malfunctioned resulting in a loss of rotor revolutions per minute (RPM). The gyrocopter’s airspeed started to reduce rapidly and the gyrocopter began to sink. Due to a ridge in front of the aircraft, the pilot decided to make a forced landing in a wooded gully. The aircraft landed upright on a log in a thick, vined tree canopy, but the pilot broke his leg in the accident. The pilot had an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) which he activated, and was able to contact search and rescue via mobile telephone to organise aeromedical retrieval.
ATSB ref 201306820
16th June 2013 - Gunnedah airfield, New South Wales, Australia - Xenon gyrocopter take off incident at Gunnedah, New South Wales - media reports mention a "cable malfunction" resulting in an emergency landing as the gyro departed from an airshow at Gunnedah.
Photo below shows the incident on 16.6.13 at Gunnedah NSW
11th June 2013 - Chiltern Air Park, Oxfordshire, England, UK - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - G-CIAT - the gyrocopter rolled over during landing. The official UK AAIB report states "The gyroplane veered left after landing and rolled over onto its right side. The student pilot attributed the accident to inputting left rudder and putting the stick forward too quickly, and hence not allowing the energy to dissipate. There were no injuries."
Link to UK AAIB Cavalon accident report 11.6.13
7th June 2013 ( date TBC ) Kupferberg, Windhoek, Namibia - Magni M-22 - V5-...... - the gyrocopter took at 4.19pm from the airfield at Eros ( FYWE ) and crashed just four minutes later. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured.
Link to newspaper report for gyro accident June 2013 in Namibia
1st June 2013 - near Hebron, Maryland, MD, USA - Air Command gyro - the pilot states the gyrocopter was being flown at 30 feet above ground level and at 40 knots indicated airspeed. The gyro started to lose altitude and a gust dropped him down to just 5 feet above ground level before impacting into a ploughed field. The Air Command gyro rolled over with damage to the blades, propeller and mast. The pilots seat belt also tore during the accident.
31st May 2013 - Avontuur private airstrip - South Africa - RAFSA 2000 GTX SE FI - ZU-RHO - the RAF 2000 gyrocopter lost directional control during take off due to a sudden cross wind and veered off the runway and nosed over in the process
29th May 2013 - Senozet airport, Slovenia - Trixy G4-2 - S5-JPR - Fatal - the Trixy gyrocopter ( Žirokopter ) crashed at the airfield at Senozet killing the 37 year old pilot. One eye witness has suggested that the gyrocopter failed to recover from an impromptu enthusiastic aerial display.
News link to fatal Trixy gyrocopter accident 29.5.13
Witness report of fatal gyrocopter accident 29.5.13
28th May 2013 - Saint Lambert, Quebec, Canada - DTA J-Ro - C-GNJO - c/n 07- fatal accident. The gyrocopter had just taken off from the airfield at Saint Lambert and had climbed approx 100-200 feet. The pilot was under instruction from the ground by radio. Officials from TSB will investigate the accident. This yellow DTA J-Ro was powered by a Rotax 914 and was delivered new to Canada in February 2013. Local media name the pilot as Norman Giroux.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident in Canada 28.5.13
26th May 2013 - near Nieuwoudtsville, South Africa - RAF 2000 GTX SE FI - ZU-DTD - fatal accident. The aircraft was en route with another gyrocopter heading to Loeriesfontein at approx 1,500 ft. Radio communication between the two gyrocopters was poor becoming unreadable. The lead gyrocopter turned to view the second gyro but couldn't see it. A return along the path of flight found no trace of the second gyrocopter. The crash site was located by ground vehicles. The South African CAA are investigating the accident. The deceased pilot has been named locally as George Joubert.
UPDATE - the official SA CAA report concludes that the probable cause was that the pilot suffered a heart attack whilst flying
Link to video of RAF 2000 ZU-DTD
Link to SA CAA Report - go to 2013 accidents - Report 9177
3rd May 2013 - near Mettetal airport, Canton, Michigan, MI, USA - Gyrobee gyrocopter - emergency landing onto a road near the airport - local news report says "The one-person aircraft had just taken off from Mettetal Airport in Canton Township when it landed on Ann Arbor Trail near Butternut Avenue, which is just west of I-275, around 1 p.m., officials said.Police Chief Tom Tiderington said the male pilot avoided hitting any vehicles on the road, and the gyrocopter was quickly moved to the side of the road. Ann Arbor Trail did not have to be closed to traffic, the chief said." - the pilot suggests the incident was caused by an engine out with the HKS-700 engine.
Link to news story about gyro incident 3.5.13
April/May 2013 - Minnesota, USA - open single seat gyro - the gyrocpter crashed just seconds after a prolonged take off run. A video on Youtube appears to show a crosswind take off on an uphill slope with insufficient main rotor speed, behind the power curve.
Link to Youtube video of accident in Minnesota April/May 2013
29th April 2013 - Valkaria airport, Palm Bay, Brevard county, Florida, USA - RFD Dominator - N85KY - fatal accident. The pilot was flying early morning when the crash happened at approx 07.45 local time. The gyro impacted the runway near a parked Cessna killing the gyro pilot. Local media report the pilot as Scott Adair.
UPDATE - The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
- The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate power and airspeed, which resulted in a loss of control, abrupt descent, and impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to obtain adequate experience in the gyroplane before making the flight.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident on 29.4.13
News link to gyro crash at Valkaria 29.4.13
NTSB - Preliminary accident report for fatal Dominator accident 29.4.13
15th April 2013 - near Pofadder, Onseepkans, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - ZU-REB - the gyro crashed in the Augrabies area of Northern Cape area after suffering control problems. This gyro was one of six taking part in a tour of the region at the time. The SA CAA report states the pilot experienced a down draught near Augrabies and collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage to the gyrocopter - see photo below.
News Link to accident in South Africa on 15.4.13
12th April 2013 - Northern Cape, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - ZU-REI - the pilot experienced a rough running engine whilst in flight and made a precautionary out field landing.
10th April 2013 - Wickenby airfield, Lincolnshire, England, UK - Auto-Gyro Calidus - G-CGMD - The Calidus crashed during take off. The official UK AAIB report states ""Whilst attempting to take off the pilot applied aft control stick in order to raise the nosewheel. A 'hammering' vibration occurred and the aircraft veered to the left, off the runway, coming to rest on its side. It was concluded that the rotor rpm may have reduced as a result of the pilot not having held the stick fully aft during the takeoff roll; this may then have caused retreating blade stall.""
Link to UK AAIB report - more details on their PDF -
....April 2013 - location unknown, Germany? - Trixy G4-2R - D-MZTR - c/n 009 - Accident more details please ?
8th March 2013 - between Leidringen and Dautmergen, Germany - Trixy G4-2R - D-MIXR - c/n 016 - Fatal accident - the gyrocopter crashed into a densely wooded hillside killing the pilot approx 2,200ft AMSL. The wrecked airframe appears to be substantially complete and did not burst into flames upon impact. The Trixy G4-2R is a new gyro design and gained German Type Certification in 2012. This Trixy G4 gyro was delivered new to the pilot in November 2012. At the time of the accident this Trixy had flown just 3 flight hours. The deceased pilot has been named in local media reports as Markus Friedrich.
The BFU report refers to an earlier accident for this very same gyro. Part of the canopy was found some 200m before the main wreckage - why ?
News Link to Trixy gyro accident in Germany on 8.3.13
Link to German BFU accident report for Trixy gyrocopter accident 8.3.13 - see Page 33
4th February 2013 - Montrose, Georgia, GA, USA - SparrowHawk - N4201S - The pilot and student were flying a night training flight at approx 06.45 when an engine problem ( Subaru ) caused an emergency forced landing during which the rotors hit power lines. The pilot Steve McCowan and student survived the accident with minor injuries.
Link to FAA register record for Sparrow Hawk N4201S
Link to NTSB preliminary report for Sparrowhawk gyro accident 4.2.13
Link to news coverage report for Sparrowhawk N4201S
29th January 2013 - Westminster, Maryland, MD, USA - Air Command- N393GX - the gyrocopter apparently struck power cables before crashing into a nearby field near Clearview Airpark Airport. The pilot received minor injuries.
FAA Register record for gyro N393GX
WBALTV News Link to gyro accident 29.1.13
Link to NTSB accident report for Air Command N393GX on 29.1.13
28th January 2013 - Gainesville, Texas, TX, USA - Dominator 2 seat - N4844W - new build gyrocopter registered as a "Webb 2" crashed during a turn over the airfield. Pilot John Webb received minor injuries
UPDATE - the NTSB report states, "The pilot was performing initial high-speed taxi tests of his experimental amateur-built gyroplane when it inadvertently became airborne. The pilot then initiated a climb above the runway and continued to fly the airplane to return for landing on the departure runway, which was contrary to the test plan. He did not want to fly past the airport boundary nor any of the hangars on the southeast side of the runway, so he initiated a left turn to crosswind. The gyroplane lost altitude faster than the pilot anticipated and became “low, slow, and behind the power curve” at too low of an altitude to recover. The lower tailboom touched down in a hard landing, which deformed the rudder and tailboom. The rotor was damaged when it contacted the ground.
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had followed the test plan and landed that gyroplane when it first lifted off. The pilot also stated that a lack of experience in the make and model gyroplane contributed to the accident."
FAA Register record for gyro N4844W
Link to NTSB Probable Cause for RFD Dominator accident 28.1.13
26-1-13 - Valdemorillo, near Madrid, Spain - ELA 07 R-115 - EC-EU9 - Fatal accident - the gyrocopter broke up in flight. The gyrocopter was one of a pair flying together. The weather was described as winds gusting to 80 km/h between 5,000ft - 10,000ft.
23rd January 2013 - Kirkbride airfield, Cumbria, England, UK - G-CGJD - Auto-Gyro Calidus -
The UK AAIB report states "The pilot was landing the gyroplane on Runway 10 at Kirkbride Airfield, in fine weather and light wind conditions. He executed the flare slightly early, causing the gyroplane to enter an extended float just above the runway. It then dropped to the surface, bounced and rolled over to the right" The pilot escaped with minor injuries.
Link to UK AAIB offical report for accident 23.1.13
2012
28th December 2012 - Mtunzini beach, South Africa - MT-03 / MTOsport gyro - engine problem and emergency force landing into sea shoreline - both occupants able to swim to the beach. Gyro recovered from the sea by tractor.
News link to gyrocopter accident 28.12.12
23rd December 2012 - Wellton, Yuma, Arizona, USA - N618TC Sportcopter Vortex c/n 020 - Fatal accident pilot Doug Goodman - NTSB investigating.
The NTSB final report states,
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering in the traffic pattern.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident near Wellton, Arizona, USA 23.12.12
FAA listing for Sportcopter N618TC
Link to photo of Sportcopter Vortex N618TC
16th December 2012 - near Bad Durkheim, Germany - Trixy G4-2R - D-MDGS - werk 002 - the gyrocopter made an emergency landing into a vineyard after a possible engine failure. The pilot was uninjured but the gyrocopter is believed to be written off. Mid winter was carburettor icing an issue?
Link to German news link for accident 16.12.12
14th December 2012 - Feilding airfield, New Zealand - RAF 2000 GTX - ZK-RCG - a summary from the NZ CAA says - The gyrocopter rolled over while taxiing over rutted ground damaging the rotors, propeller and rotor mast.
...December 2012 - Mangena Game Lodge, South Africa - ZU-CCN Chayair Sycamore c/n SYCA 0009 - Gyrocopter hit power lines during attempted forced landing.
29th October 2012 - Var, Provence, France - Fatal - gyrocopter hit electricity power cables across a valley, crashed and burned out - 1 fatality - gyro type uncertain but possibly a Calidus
News link to fatal accident in France 29.10.12
29th October 2012 - Miami, Texas, USA - N621WC - Aurora Butterfly - take off accident involving the use of pre-rotator system, the gyrocopter flipped over
Photo link to Auroa Butterfly N621WC
News link here for Aurora Butterfly accident 29.10.12
24th October 2012 - Tauranga Bay, New Zealand - ZK-XEN - Celier Aviation Xenon - The gyrocopter lost power at 150m shortly after take-off from Tauranga Airport and ditched into shallow sea water 200m off shore. The two on board were able to wade ashore. This is the second gyro to ditch at this location in 2012. The Xenon gyrocopter is under re-build in 2013.
News link to Xenon accident 24.10.12
News link SunLive to Xenon accident 24.10.12
The NZ CAA accident summary report states,
""The gyrocopter took off on Runway 34 at Tauranga, and made an early left turn at the request of the tower controller. During the turn, the airspeed decayed from 55 to 45 knots and the climb turned into a descent. The pilot made a further left turn to get back over land, and during this turn, the aircraft landed heavily in the bay, about 300 metres from shore. Neither of the two occupants was injured.""
Link to NZ CAA report into accident of 24.10.12
20th October 2012 - Bourland, Cresson, Texas, USA - N589DH - Auto-Gyro MTOSport - gyro crashed during touch and go whilst circuit training. Pilot Don Hunthrop injured.
Newspaper link to accident on 20.10.12 of MTOsport gyro N589DH
LINK to official NTSB accident report re N589DH on 20.10.12
9th October 2012 - Medina-Sidonia, Spain - EC-ZKI - ELA 07 - gyro overturned during an emergency landing after flight controls believed to be have jammed shortly after take off. Pilot injured.
Photo Link to images of EC-ZKI
29th September 2012 - Shoreham airport, West Sussex, UK - G-ETOJ - Auto-Gyro Calidus - take off accident, pilot taken to hospital - UK AAIB report suggests the pilot over rotated on take off with the main blades striking the ground.
Link to official UK AAIB accident report for gyrocopter accident 29.9.12
Addendum - UK AAIB update to accident on 29.9.12
10th September 2012 - Jastarnia airfield, Poland - D-MGDA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - take off accident. The German registered gyrocopter was fitted with a sensor pod for aerial geo-survey work along the Polish Baltic coastline. Just after take off the pilot thought he would not clear tall trees at the edge of the airfield so conducted a 180 degree turn for an emergency landing. The Calidus gyro rolled over after the blades struck the ground during the emergency landing. The pilot and passenger escaped unharmed although the gyrocopter is said to be destroyed.
Link to official interim Polish accident report for D-MGDA
Link to official final Polish PKBWL accident report for D-MGDA published Jan 2013
10th September 2012 - Lansing, Illinois - N717EW - Wiggins Air Boss ( Rotorhawk Falcon ) gyro - Fatal accident - the newly built experimental gyro received its certificate of airworthiness on 5th September 2012 - the pilot had a mere 2 hours gyrocopter experience. The NTSB accident report states "The pilot reportedly had not flown in over 20 years before receiving 1.8 hours of familiarization training in a two-seat gyroplane in May 2012. There was no record that the pilot had received any additional flight training in gyroplanes subsequent to the two familiarization flights." New gyro pilot in a newly home built gyro. 1 fatality.
News link to gyrocopter accident 10.9.12
Link to official US NTSB accident report
7th September 2012 - Spanish Fork, Utah, USA - Sparrow Hawk gyro - N51140 - the Sparrowhawk gyrocopter rolled over during an aborted take off by the pilot who was on his first gyro solo flight.
Link to official NTSB accident report 7.9.12
14th August 2012 - near Canterbury, Kent, UK - G-ONON - RAF 2000 GTX-SE - gyro engine Subaru EJ22 lost power on take off - forced hard landing. UPDATE this gyrocopter was cancelled from the UK CAA register in Sept 2014.
Link to official AAIB accident report for G-ONON
4th August 2012 - Luino, Lake Maggiore Italy - I-8323 - Magni M16 - the gyrocopter landed in the lake close to the shore. A photo shows the gyro in the water with damaged rotorblades.
Photo link to accident 4.8.12 at Lake Maggiore
News link to accident 4.8.12 at Lake Maggiore
31st July 2012 - Rufforth airfield, Yorkshire, England, UK - G-CFKA - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - the gyro overran on landing, hit a bump and tipped over onto its right side. The AAIB summary says "
The aircraft overshot the end of the runway on landing, crossing the perpendicular runway and coming to rest in an adjacent field. The pilot was uninjured and considers that he had misjudged the safety margin required."
Link to official AAIB accident report for 31.7.12
24th July 2012 - Bokovo near Irkutsk, Russia - registration unknown - Irkut A-002M - the gyro crashed into swampy ground and came to rest on its starboard side. The pilot escaped with minor injuries.
News link to accident 24.7.12 near Irkutsk
Link to more information about gyrocopter type Irkut A-002
21st July 2012 - Shiocton airfield, Bovina, Wisconsin, USA - N115WB - RAF 2000 - the pilot lost control whilst taking photographs - the NTSB reads The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that he was taking aerial photos of the airport. He stated he was flying toward the airport and trying to take photos when he realized he was getting too close to the airport. He initiated a turn downwind away from the airport at which time the gyrocopter lost altitude. The lower right side of the fuselage and the right landing gear strut contacted a guy wire attached to a utility pole alongside the highway that bordered the south side of the airport. The gyrocopter then descended, impacted terrain, and came to rest in a ditch alongside Highway 54, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical tail surfaces and the main rotor blades. The pilot stated that he was distracted by trying to use the camera and that he was not paying attention to the surroundings when the accident occurred.
Link to NTSB report for N115WB 21.7.12
July 14th 2012 - Mount Pleasant airport, Utha, USA - home built gyrocopter - unregistered - the gyrocopter crashed during take off. The pilot was severely injured. The pilot confirms he had taken no gyro flight training.
News Link with comments from the pilot re gyrocopter crash Utah 14.7.12
7th July 2012 - Waldeck airfield, Kassel, Germany - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - D-MOIX - middair collision, as the gyrocopter took off it was hit by a landing glider. The glider was destroyed, the MTOsport landed with some rotor damage.
News link to HDA.de report of accident 7.7.12
28th June 2012 - Omaha, Nebraska, USA - Dominator - N447PM - during flight testing of a newly built Dominator gyrocopter the aircraft turned over whilst on the runway causing substantial damage. The NTSB report states "The private pilot, who held an airplane single engine land rating, had been taking dual instruction in a gyroplane. During the takeoff portion of his first solo flight in the gyroplane, it began drifting toward the edge of the runway. Although the pilot initiated an abort and tried to realign the gyroplane with the runway, his control inputs resulted in the gyroplane rolling onto its side, whereupon it sustained substantial damage. According to the pilot, there was no indication of any mechanical malfunction. Wind conditions were calm."
Link to official NTSB accident report for incident 28.6.12
27th June 2012 - Aalen-Elchingen, Germany - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - D-MFWQ - c/n V00031 - Fatal accident, whilst landing the gyrocopter impacted the ground and burst into flames, from a height of approx 3m - 1 fatality.
News report for fatal Cavalon accident 27.6.12
Official BFU accident report for Cavalon D-MFWQ
26th June 2012 - Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia - Gyro mades emergency landing onto mud flats near Ryhll, Phillip Island, Victoria after apparent engine failure - pilot walks away after gyro turns on its side in the mud.
Video Link to interview with the pilot and wreckage for accident 26.6.12
News report for accident 26.6.12
17th June 2012 - Tauranga Bay, New Zealand - ZK-MZM - Auto-Gyro Calidus - lost power after take off and ditched into Tauranga Bay, two on board rescued by passing boats.
News link to gyrocopter ditching 19.6.12
8th June 2012 - Wrens, Georgia, USA - N1481 - Dogbee gyro - Fatal accident - the experimental amateur built gyrocopter ( Gyrobee derivative ) impacted the ground after flying at approx 70 feet above fields near power lines. The NTSB report states "Before reaching the power lines, the gyroplane made a steep, 180-degree left turn and impacted the ground. The witness stated that the gyroplane appeared to be "almost on its side" as it turned - 1 fatality pilot Chris Bowen.
Link to official NTSB accident report near Wrens, GA 8.6.12
News link to fatal accident 8.6.12
TV report relating to Dogbee accident at Wrens 8.6.12
June 2nd 2012 - Bienenfarm airfield ( EDOI ), Germany - ELA 07 Cougar - D-MYIX - the gyrocopter crashed during take off, rolling onto its starboard side.
2nd June 2012 - Gubkinsky, Yamal-Nenets, Russia - Auto-Gyro Calidus - registration unknown - the gyrocopter hit a low metal fence whilst landing ( on a road ? ) in a built up urban area injurying the pilot and passenger. A photo on the news link below appears to show the same gyrocopter parked on a small concrete pad in a car park beside a block of flats prior to the accident.
News link to accident at Gubkinsky on 2.6.12
30th May 2012 - Pinconning, Michigan, USA - Honeybee G2 ultralight gyro - Fatal - apparently the second flight of a newly built ultralight gyrocopter. Ultralight gyrocopters are unregistered with the FAA and this accident is unlikely to be investigated by the FAA or NTSB.
News link to fatal accident at Pinconning, MI, USA 30.5.12
20th May 2012 - Near Falmouth, Cornwall, UK - G-CGLY - Auto-Gyro Calidus - Gyro made emergency forced landing after apparent power loss, hit power cables as landing, damage to rotor mast and blades, no injury.
Link to official AAIB accident report for G-CGLY
6th May 2012 - Bollon, Queensland, Australia - Pilot killed in gyrocopter accident near Bollon, Queensland - believed helmet came loose and hit propeller - Fatal
27th April 2012 - Dealseville, Free State province, South Africa - MT-03 - ZU-EMR - fatal accident. The gyro departed from an airstrip at Fouriesburg and hit telephone wires en route before crashing into the ground - the pilot was killed. The telephone wires were at a height of approx just 6m.
Link to official SA CAA accident report for accident 27.4.12
31st March 2012 - Kirkbride, Cumbria, UK - G-CGGL - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - The gyroplane suffered a partial loss of engine power during
takeoff. The instructor landed the aircraft on the remaining runway but
was unable to bring it to a stop before it ran off the runway end.
Link to official AAIB accident report for G-CGGL
31st March 2012 - Anahuac, TX, Texas, USA - N9012R - RAF 2000 - no injuries - The NTSB final report states,
"Analysis - The student pilot and flight instructor were practicing takeoffs, flight maneuvers, and landings in the student pilot's gyroplane. After landing on the runway with a right crosswind, the student pilot attempted to taxi the gyroplane back to the hangar. During the taxi forward, the gyroplane began to roll to the right and the rotor blades contacted the runway. The student
pilot stated that the nosewheel and cyclic positions at the time of the forward taxi were likely
the reasons for the roll to the right; this statement was consistent with the student pilot not
repositioning the nosewheel and cyclic after the landing to a safe taxi position. The gyroplane
sustained substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The student pilot and flight instructor
reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.
Probable Cause and Findings - The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's improper nosewheel and cyclic positioning during the taxi, which resulted
in the gyroplane's main rotor contacting the runway surface. Contributing to the accident was
the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.
24th March 2012 - Lommersum, Germany - MTOsport - D-M..... - the pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The gyrocopter was flying low over the village of Lommersum. The passenger was a member of a wedding day party and was going to release roses over the brides home. As the pilot slowed the gyro it descended and hit a tall roof and then crashed into the courtyard of a house below.
Link to offical BFU accident report for MTOsport crash 24.3.12
2nd March 2012 - Cark, Cumbria, UK - G-ORDW - Magni M24C - The pilot attempted to execute a go-around from just above the runway. The gyroplane rolled to the right on application of right rudder and full power, and the right main wheel contacted the ground. The aircraft rolled over, coming to rest on the runway on its right side. The pilot and his passenger escaped serious injury.
Link to Official AAIB accident report for G-ORDW
14th February 2012 - Halfpenny Green, Wolverhampton, UK - G-CVPM - VPM M16 - rotor hit rudder and propeller tips whilst preparing to take off
Link to offical AAIB accident report for G-CVPM
ASN Newsreport on incident 5.2.12
14th January 2012 - Mangalore, Victoria, Australia - G-762 GT Kruza - 2 Fatal - this fatal accident is currently under investigation by the Coroners Court of Victoria - the instructor pilot was Sam La Bruna, the student pilot was Robert Brockbank. The interim accident report concludes that the accident was caused by an in-flight failure of the cross-bar.
Newspaper Link to Accident 14.1.12
NZ Newspaper Link to Accident 14.1.12
UPDATE OCTOBER 2012 - Link to Interim Accident Report for Kruza G-762 produced by ASRA
2nd January 2012 - Whangarei, New Zealand - ZK-RCG - RAF 2000 - landing accident the gyro tipped over as it landed, the airport manager said ""I think he lost a bit of directional control, he was coming down and a wind gust caught him and he's probably touched down when the aircraft was moving sideways, relative to the ground. That's probably just flipped it onto its back.''
News link to accident 2.1.12
2011
26th November 2011 - Vilafranca, Majorca, Spain - EC-KUT - ELA-07 - fatal accident on the perimeter of the airfield during descent the gyro appeared to roll over and impact the ground vertically before exploding - the pilot Andy Tille and his student were both killed.
The following details are a Google Translation of the original Spanish CIAAIC text and as such may not be an accurate translation.
News link to accident 26.11.11
Link to original official CIAIAC Spanish report - for accident 3.9.11 see PDF page 35
5th November 2011 - Sweden - SE-VNI - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyro crashed during take off with a flight student on his first lesson in the front cockpit. As the gyro accelerated along the runway the student held the stick aft but failed to respond to the instructors commands as the nose lifted off. The instructor tried to take control but could not overcome the pressure of the stick being held firmly back by the student. The nose came up steeply and the rotor blades struck the ground behind the gyro causing the gyro to roll onto its side. The two on board received minor injuries.
Link to news article with photo of damaged gyrocopter SE-VNI
23rd October 2011 - near Hirschenbuhl, Germany - D-MRWZ - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter crashed into a forest after encountering engine problems.
News report link to MTOsport accident 23.10.11
15th October 2011 - Blair, Nebraska, NE, USA - N29HT - Sparrow Hawk - minor injury to the pilot. The NTSB report states, "During the takeoff roll, the nosewheel experienced a shimmy, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The Sparrowhawk gyrocopter rolled onto its left side, exited the side of the runway, and came to rest in the grass. During the rollover, the main rotor mast sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the gyrocopter revealed a loose bolt in the nose gear steering linkage, which allowed the nosewheel to shimmy. The pilot, who was also the builder, was testing the newly built gyrocopter."
Link to the NTSB report for gyrocopter accident in Nebraska 15.10.11
7th October 2011 - Thompsonville Airport, Thompsonville, Michigan, MI, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N455BW - no injury - the pilot stated that the takeoff seemed normal, but on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern the gyrocraft tended to roll to the right and he had difficulty keeping it level. He completed the traffic pattern and successfully touched down on the runway. However, after landing, he was unable to maintain control. The gyrocraft departed the runway pavement and rolled onto its right side. The gyrocraft sustained substantial damage to the rotor mast and fuselage.
Link to official NTSB report for accident to Calidus N455BW on 7.10.11
2nd October 2011 - Bad Durkheim, Germany - D-M......... - gyrocopter type unknown - the gyrocopter suffered engine problems on final approach to land at the airfield - the pilot attempted to re-start the engine but ended up making a forced landing into a nearby vineyard. The pilot and passenger survived the landing. Note that a similar accident occurred at Bad Durkheim in December 2012 ( scroll upwards )
News link to accident at Bad Durkheim on 2.10.11
3rd September 2011 - Medina Sidonia airfield, Spain - EC-KOS - ELA-07 - pilot and passenger badly injured when rotor/hub bar failed ?
The following details are a Google Translation of the original Spanish CIAAIC text and as such may not be an accurate translation.
Link to original official CIAIAC Spanish report - for accident 3.9.11 see PDF page 27
20th August 2011 - Delaware, Ohio, USA - N2631B - American Autogyro Sparrowhawk - the NTSB summary report states - The non certificated pilot stated that, during initial climb about 20 to 30 feet above the ground, he noticed that the gyroplane's airspeed was lower than intended and that the gyroplane began to drift to the right. He attempted to increase airspeed by lowering pitch, but the gyroplane landed hard and rolled over onto its side. A witness reported seeing the gyroplane in a steep ascent after lift off before it entered a descending right turn. A post accident examination did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the gyroplane. The pilot reported that he had been receiving instruction toward a pilot certificate but had not obtained a student pilot certificate. He further noted that, although he had a pilot-rated passenger onboard, he was still acting as pilot-in-command and was flying the gyroplane when the accident occurred.
Link to NTSB report for Sparrowhawk accident 20.8.11
22 Aug 2011 - near Chateauneuf, France - Magni M24 Orion - registration unknown - The gyrocopter took off at approx 8pm on a hot summers evening with two on board. The gyrocopter struggled to climb and with powerlines ahead the pilot decided to turn back. The gyrocopter lost height and crashed injuring the two on board. A police preliminary report raised concerns about the use of the airstrip, radio compliance and airworthiness documents.
News link to Magni accident near Chateauneuf
.....August 2011 - near Grants, New Mexico, USA - Celier Aviation Xenon - N102TG - the gyrocopter made a forced landing whilst en route. A forum discussion suggested this may have been due to "fuel lock". The accident does not appear on the NTSB database.
25th July 2011 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA - N559RD - Dominator single seat - the NTSB summary report states - The pilot reported that, during the initial climb after takeoff, the gyroplane reached about 75 to 100 feet above ground level when it started to settle. He reported that the gyroplane was not creating enough lift to clear the trees located near the west end of the runway and that he did not have enough airspeed or altitude to turn around. The gyroplane continued to lose altitude and the pilot performed a forced landing to an area that was clear of people and cars. The gyroplane landed hard and subsequently rolled onto its right side. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane prior to the accident.
The accident is shown in the Youtube video below
Link to NTSB report for accident 25.7.11
16th July 2011 - Breitscheid airfield ( EDGB ), Germany - D-MAUT - Autogyro MTOsport - fatal accident killing the pilot and passenger. The gyrocopter crashed on short finals approach to runway 25. The pilot had alreadt flown several landings to this runway earlier in the day. GPS data shows the final approach to have drifted a little off of centreline and passed over tall trees. The BFU report suggests a combination of side slip, uplift turbulence by the trees and limited experience to have led to this accident. Note that the rotor blades showed sign of being bent upwards.
Link to official BFU report for MTOsport accident 16.7.11
27th June 2011 - near Llanbedr, North Wales, UK - G-LZED - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyro was taking for from a camping field with a slight downward slope. The gyrocopter hit the top of a low wall as it took off and crashed. No injuries to the pilot and passenger but the gyro was extensively damaged. The UK AAIB report suggests the field length was too short to allow climb to clear the wall obstacle.
Link to official UK AAIB accident report for MTOsport G-LZED 27.6.11
20.6.11 - Kaniow airfield, Poland - Celier Aviation Xenon - SP-XENI - the starboard undercarriage leg of the Xenon gyrocopter broke whilst landing at Kaniow airfield.
28th May 2011 - near Norrtälje, Sweden - SE-VRA - ELA-07R Cougar - fatal accident, pilot and passenger both killed. The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off into a wooded area and burst into flames. The accident was investigated by the Swedish KSAK.
Link to news report for accident to ELA-07 SE-VRA on 28.5.11
Photo link to ELA-07 SE-VRA
14th May 2011 - near Kaitaia, New Zealand - ZK-RAW - Autoflight Dominator - Fatal accident - pilot killed and passenger seriously injured. The synopsis published by the NZ CAA saya "After approximately 20 minutes of sightseeing, the gyroplane returned to the general area of the paddock used for the take-off and was seen to perform a series of abrupt manoeuvres. During an abrupt turn the gyroplane descended rapidly and struck the ground. The gyroplane was destroyed and the pilot received fatal injuries"
Link to official NZ CAA Accident investigation report for ZK-RAW - Click on Report 11/2157
Link to The New Zealand Herald newspaper report 14.5.11
3rd May 2011 - Blue Spings, Nebraska, USA - N103EB - Dominator - Fatal accident - Witnesses reported seeing the gyrocopter depart from a private airstrip. Shortly after the gyrocopter was airborne, it struck a telephone line, descended and impacted the road. A postimpact fire ensued and the gyrocopter sustained substantial damage during the impact with the road and the postimpact fire. A postaccident examination of the gyrocopter, engine, and its systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Link to NTSB report for Dominator accident 3.5.11
28th April 2011 - near Old Sarum airfield, Wiltshire, England, UK - G-CGTI - Magni M24C Orion - fatal accident. The UK AAIB sumary reads,
"The pilot departed Old Sarum Airfield for a local flight in his M24C gyroplane and shortly after it became airborne the ‘gull wing’ door was seen to open to the horizontal position. The pilot made a radio call that he had a problem with the door and intended to return to the airfield. The aircraft continued around the circuit until the end of the downwind leg, where the pilot appeared to position the aircraft to land in a field. At the end of the flight the engine noise was heard to reduce and the aircraft was seen to roll to the left before it crashed into the field and caught fire. The investigation established that at the start of the flight the pilot’s door appeared to be closed but the latching mechanism had not locked the door in the closed position."
Link to official UK AAIB accident report for accident 28.4.11
17th April 2011 - Perth airfield, Scotland - G-HTBT - Auto-Gyro Calidus - the gyrocopter rolled over to the right during the landing roll
Link to official UK AAIB accident report for accident 17.4.11
31st March 2011 - Krugersdorp, Gauteng, South Africa - Celier Aviation Xenon - ZU-EXU - the Xenon gyrocopter crashed during take off just after the nose lifted, veered left and rolled over several times. The gyrocopter was destroyed. The official SA CAA accident report concludes "The pilot performed a tail wind take off and the aircraft rolled to the left rendering ground impact inevitable"
March 27th 2011 - near Melipilla, Chile - Celier Aviation Xenon - CC-PTP - Fatal accident - the gyrocopter crashed killing the pilot shortly after take off from the airfield at Melipilla. The Xenon crashed into a maize field and burst into flames - photo of Xenon CC-PTP below
Official report below - see accident ref #1584
Link to official accident report for Xenon accident 27.3.11
3rd February 2011 - Rufforth airfield, Yorkshire, England, UK - G-CGRT - Magni M24C Orion -
""During a normal rotor pre-rotation in gusty wind conditions, the aircraft became airborne prior to the main rotor achieving full rpm and the pilot lost control of the aircraft The pilot had experience of flying gyroplanes in the strong wind conditions but on a different type.""
Link to official UK AAIB accident report for accident 3.2.11
3rd Feb 2011 - Near Table Mountain, Western Cape, South Africa - ELA 07 - ZU-ESZ - the SA CAA states - "Engine power loss in flight, emergency landing, nose wheel collapsed, the gyro flipped over"
4th January 2011 - Omaha Flats, New Zealand - Ken Brock KB-3 - ZK-RBL - the NZ CAA accident report states "The gyrocopter lost power shortly after takeoff. An attempt was made to turn back to the airfield, however the gyrocopter landed heavily in the adjacent estuary."
Link to NZ CAA accident report for Brock gyrocopter 4.1.11
2010
26.12.10 - Lake Rotoehu, New Zealand - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - ZK-RKG - the NZ CAA accident synopsis report states "While taxing, the autogyro's left rear wheel fell into a hole, causing the pilot to inadvertently increase the throttle to full power. The autogyro accelerated, and fell down a bank beside the runway. - Damage substantial" The same gyro ZK-RKG was involved in a previous accident on 24.10.09
Link to New Zealand CAA accident for MT-03 gyrocopter 26.12.2010
Dec 21st 2010 - Liesdi Farm, Free State, South Africa - Celier Aviation Xenon - ZU-RGA - the SA CAA report states "loss of power during t/o, a/c started to descend. a/c hit a hip of soil and flipped over during emergency landing"
....October 2010 - Pla de Santa Maria, Catalonia, Spain - Airbet Girabet 2 Sport - EC-............. - The red gyrocopter crashed just after taking off. It appears to have lifted off at too slow an airspeed, failed to climb and crashed back onto the runway. The pilot and passenger survived. A video of the accident can be found on Youtube.
Youtube link to Girabet 2 gyrocopter accident October 2010
24.9.10 - Kirkbride airfield, Cumbria, England, UK - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - G-CEYX - take off accident involving a student pilot. The UK AAIB accident report states that the student pilot did not select aft cyclic before he began the take off roll as taught. During the take off role he realised this mistake and pulled the cyclic aft. The gyrocopter became airborne, pitched nose up and rolled left impacting the runway. The gyrocopter was substantially damaged, the pilot received minor injuries.
Link to official UK AAIB accident report for gyrocopter G-CEYX
August 15th 2010 - Brighton, Colorado, USA - RFD Dominator - N36MR - the NTSB report states "The private pilot was preparing to land his gyroplane when he encountered a downdraft, which increased his rate of descent. The pilot was unable to arrest the descent rate and landed hard. As a result the left main gear axle broke, causing the lower rudder strut to contact the ground. The strut bent upwards into the propeller, splintering the propeller and causing substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported that the downdraft was caused by an 80-degree crosswind that blew over houses just to the northeast of the runway threshold. The pilot did not report any mechanical deficiencies with the gyroplane prior to the accident.""
Link to official NTSB acident report for Dominator gyrocopter 15.8.10
31 July 2010 - Freiburg airfield, Germany - Celier Aviation Xenon - D-MFWT - during take off the rotor flapped causing the mast to break. The accident was investigated by the German BFU report number RX004-10. The Xenon gyrocopter was subsequently repaired by the manufacturer.
20th July 2010 - near Bayreuth, Germany - Celier Aviation Xenon - D-MDWR - the gyrocopter hit a bird during flight causing damage to the propeller. The pilot made a successful emergency landing onto a grass field near Bayreuth.
Link to photo of Xenon D-MDWR after outlanding
15th February 2010 - near Sarriac-Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, France - registration unknown - type unknown - the two seat gyro crashed during final approach to landing from a height of approx 100m - the pilot and passenger were both taken to hospital with injuries.
Link to news report of accident in France 15.2.10
2009
27th November 2009 - Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa - ZU-RBN - RAF 2000 GTX SE FI c/n M2-11-06-08-008 - the SA CAA brief summary states "The gyrocopter rotated too early on take off, sunk back and rolled over to the right"
12th November 2009 - near Hawera airfield, New Zealand - UFO HeliThruster gyro ZK-RAZ - Fatal accident two killed, Steven Chubb and Neville Adlam. The official report ( see link below ) includes a Conclusion page which raises a number of concerns.
Link to official NZ CAA Accident investigation report for ZK-RAZ - Click on Report 09/4376
News link to accident 12.11.09
Oct 24 2009 - Tauranga airfield, New Zealand - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - ZK-RKG - the New Zealand CAA accident report states "The gyrocopter was returning from a cross country flight from Matamata. The pilot was cleared for a short approach onto grass 25 which had a 9 knot crosswind. As the gyrocopter vacated the grass vector the crosswind lifted the machine and it rolled slowly over onto its side causing substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. - Damage substantial."
Link to NZ CAA accident report ZK-RGG
11th October 2009 - Little Rissington airfield, Gloucestershire, England, UK - Fatal accident whilst doing circuits
BBC News Link to accident 11.10.09
Sept 25th 2009 - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina - Celier Aviation Xenon - N4462J - Immediately after take off the Xenon gyrocopter failed to climb once it had reached a height of approx 30 feet. The gyrocopter landed into a nearby lake. The pilot and passenger swam to safety.
The official NTSB report for this Xenon accident states "The pilot stated that the gyroplane took off about 1,200 feet from the departure end of runway 15 and experienced a "loss of lift" when it was approximately 30 feet above the ground. The pilot "lowered the nose to increase airspeed to increase lift," but the gyroplane continued to descend. With no runway available, the gyroplane landed "flat" into a lake, and after exiting the pilot and passenger swam to shore. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were noted with the gyroplane, which was about 90 pounds below maximum gross weight at takeoff. Winds were from 190 degrees true at 5 knots, and temperature at the time was 32 degrees C. The extent to which the combination of high gross weight and high ambient temperature may have affected the flight was not determined.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The gyroplane's inadequate climb performance for undetermined reasons."
Link to NTSB accident report for Xenon gyro 25.9.09
August 22nd 2009 - Cromwell airfield, New Zealand - Tandem Dominator - ZK-REL - the NZ CAA accident for this Dominator gyro accident states "The pilot slowed the gyrocopter sufficiently to achieve a 'hover' into the 15 to 25-knot wind, with a slight rate of descent. An abrupt wind shift resulted in a loss of rotor thrust, from which the pilot was unable to recover fully, despite applying full power and forward cyclic to regain airspeed. The aircraft bounced on landing and the rotor contacted the ground, with the aircraft coming to rest on its side. - Damage substantial"
Link to Twin Dominator gyrocopter accident report 22.8.09
7th August 2009 - near Bovenden, Eddigehausen, Germany - D-MTUK- Auto-Gyro MT-03 - Fatal - the gyrocopter was on a scenic flight with a passenger when it crashed into a dense forest area. Both the pilot and passenger were killed.
The German BFU report states that the gyrocopter was flying approx 50kg overweight.
Link to BFU accident report 7.8.09
Link to news report for MT-03 accident 7.8.09
1st August 2009 - Visingso airfield, Sweden - SE-VNA - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter took off to depart an airshow but seconds after rotation the gyro nose dived into the runway landing hard on the nose wheel - the gyrocopter came to rest on its side and quickly caught fire. Spectators pulled the pilot and passenger from the wreckage.
Newspaper link to accident at Visingo Sweden on 1.8.09
4th July 2009 - Holyrood airstrip, Lancashire, England, UK - G-DWDW - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the UK AAIB summary report states, "The aircraft was operating from a private field and, with the pilot, one passenger and 40 kg of fuel on board, was probably lighter than its maximum 500 kg takeoff weight. Having assessed the wind direction and speed as 120° and 7 kt, the pilot attempted to take off in an easterly direction. After a longer than anticipated takeoff run the pilot judged that the aircraft would not climb sufficiently to avoid trees near the eastern edge of the field. To avoid these he turned the aircraft left but in doing so it descended. He was also aware of electricity cables to the south of the field that would constrain his flight path if he attempted to turn right. Nevertheless, judging that the aircraft would not climb above a fence at the eastern end of the field he aborted the takeoff and attempted to turn right through 180°. The aircraft landed heavily and rolled onto its side. The pilot and passenger vacated the aircraft without injury and righted the aircraft to avoid fuel spillage. The pilot stated that the wind direction changed after his initial assessment such that the takeoff was downwind"
Link to UK AAIB official report for 4.7.09
Link to Youtube video that shows accident 4.7.09
June 7 09 - Waipukurau, New Zealand - Bensen B8M - ZK-RAL - the New Zealand accident report states "The pilot was test-flying the gyrocopter after fitting a new muffler. About 300 feet on the climb, the engine stopped. In the ensuing forced landing, the right axle broke and the aircraft rolled on to its side."
Link to NZ CAA accident report for Bensen B8M 7.6.09
29th May 2009 - Pirmasens airfield ( EDRP ) Germany - D-MMSP - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - c/n D05 G11 - the pilot was seriously injured. The gyrocopter took off and climbed steeply before rolling to the left and crashing by the airfield boundary.
Link to offical BFU accident report for MT-03 accident 29.5.09
March 14th 2009 - Okeechobee County Airport, Okeechobee, Florida, USA - RAF 2000 - N5098L - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter crashed during take off ending up rolling over onto its side at the edge of the runway. Part of the NTSB reports states "
"The deceased pilot informed them that he was having problems with the pre-rotator on the gyrocopter getting over 60 rpm and that he might reengage the pre-rotator after he started his takeoff roll. Another pilot, who is a member of the Florida Popular Rotorcraft Association accident response team, stated to the Safety Board investigator, "if he did this with anything over idle power, the torque to the airframe would be extreme, causing the aircraft to lurch to the right, causing a left roll."
A further extract reads "Examination of the crash site revealed the gyrocopter came to rest on its left side on a heading of 080 degrees magnetic, near the edge of the OBE taxiway and runway 14 threshold. There was evidence of one rotor blade strike in the grass off the left side of the taxiway. The gyrocopter swerved to the right on the taxiway. The gyrocopter traveled 106 feet and rolled to the left. Nine propeller blade strikes were present on the taxiway. The right main landing gear landing gear came off the taxiway with evidence of seven left main landing gear sidewall marks present on the taxiway. The gyrocopter continued forward 15 feet where the mast of the gyrocopter contacted the taxiway. A scrap mark from the mast was present on the taxiway extending 68 feet to the gyrocopter at rest. The rotor blades remained attached to their respective rotor hub and were lying across the aft portion of the cabin section. The leading edge of both main rotor blades and the bottom side were scratched. The nose main landing gear, left and right main landing gear, and the tail wheel remained attached to the airframe. The crash debris line extended 230 feet." Local media named the pilot as Donald McGregor.
Link to official NTSB accident report for fatal RAF 2000 accident 14.3.09
Link to message thread on RWF re the above accident 14.3.09
2008
Nov 3rd 08 - Featherston, New Zealand - Brock KB-3 - ZK-RKK - the NZ CAA report states "The accident occurred on the second flight of the day. The gyrocopter took off to the north. The pilot pre-rotated the rotor up to 200 rpm. He stated that the gyrocopter seemed to take longer to get up to rotor speed during the takeoff roll. The gyrocopter lifted off, got to twice the height of nearby trees, and started to sink in a downdraught. The pilot turned the aircraft to the west to try to gain height. The sink continued, and the pilot turned back to the east to avoid trees to the west and north of the airstrip. The gyrocopter landed heavily, rolling onto its right side 400 metres off the end of the strip. The gyrocopter suffered substantial damage to rotor, engine, tail and frame. The pilot was uninjured. "
Link to NZ CAA report for Brock KB-3 gyrocopter accident
2nd November 2008 - Thannhausen airfield ( EDNU ), Germany - Autogyro MT-03 - D-M...... - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter flew several passes along the runway before turning back along the runway in the opposite direction. The final steep turn resulted in a rapid decrease in the rotor spin with the gyro falling almost vertically into the airfield below.
Link to official BFU accident report for MT-03 accident 2.11.08
9th October 2008 - Gillingham, near Henstridge, Dorset, England, UK - RAF 2000 GTS-SE - G-CBCJ - Fatal accident - pilot Brian Errington -Weddle. The report says "The crash was the result of instability but it was not clear why the aircraft had become unstable" - and - "During a descent at close to the never-exceed speed (VNE) the gyroplane rotor struck the aircraft’s propeller and rudder. An in-flight break up ensued and, during the impact that followed, the pilot received fatal injuries. No pre-existing defects on the aircraft were identified. more on the news link below"
News Link to accident 9.10.08
Link to offical UK AAIB accident report for 9.10.08
1st October 2008 - Montelimar, Dept 26, France - 26-XF - Magni M22 - The gyrocopter and a microlight aircraft collided in middair in uncontrolled airspace. Both aircraft had departed from the airfield at Montelimar within a few minutes of each other. The Magni M22 was able to make an emergency landing back at Montelimar, the microlight aircraft crashed killing the pilot. Examination of the gyro showed that the main rotor blade had struck the rear of the microlight.
Link to official BEA report for accident on 1.10.08
23rd August 2008 - Lindormsnäs, Upplands Bro, near Stockholm, Sweden - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - SE-V...... - The gyrocopter crashed whilst coming in to land possibly in a field by a house. It is said to have fallen from approx 40m hitting some trees on the way down. The pilot and passenger were both hurt.
News link to gyrocopter crash in Sweden 23.8.08
7th June 2008 - Marignac Lasclares, Dept 31, France - 31-HK - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - fatal accident pilot killed. The pilot lost his visor in flight, became distracted and induced blade flap. The main rotor blades struck the rear tail rudder causing the in-flight break up of the tail.
Link to official BEA accident report for accident 7.6.08
14-1-2008 - Rojunai, Lithuania - ELA 07S 100 - LY-ELA - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter crshed onto the runway of the airfield and caught fire. The 50 year old pilot was killed. The gyrocopter was almost brand new having been newly registered in December 2007 after delivery from Spain and had flown approx 20 hours at the time of the accident.
News link to fatal ELA gyrocopter accident in Lithuania 16.1.08
2007
November 8th 2007 - Echuca airfield, Victoria, Australia - Bruty Firebird gyro - registration unknown - Fatal - the gyrocopter was being used for flight training. The student pilot was practising a simulated engine out on final approach. A witness says the gyrocopter did not "flare" just before touch down, landed hard and bounced coming to rest on its righthand side. Fuel in the seat tanks leaked and an intense fire started. The student and instructor both suffered severe burns. The student died of his injuries the next day.
News link to fatal gyrocopter accident at Echuca Australia 8-11-07
2nd October 2007 - Ashland, Kentucky, USA - RFD Dominator - N444PD - The NTSB report states"According to a telephone conversation with the pilot, he was conducting touch and go landings to runway 28 (5,602 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). He stated that during the landing flare, the nose of the
gyroplane drifted to the right. The pilot reported that he was not able to compensate for the winds.
The gyroplane impacted the runway with the left landing gear followed by the right landing gear. The
gyroplane bounced and impacted the runway again, coming to rest on its side. The left landing gear
separated and the rotor blade sustained impact damage. The pilot reported winds 90 degrees to the
runway at 10 to 15 miles per hour.
The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the gyroplane. An examination of the gyroplane's
structure and systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed minor damage and no anomalies. The pilot
sustained serious injury during the impact."
14.9.07 - Thollon les Memises ( Dept 74 ) - France - 74-VA - Magni M22 Voyager - the gyrocopter crashed into high terrain whilst flying in mountains at approx 3,000 feet.
Link to officla BEA gyrocopter accident report for Magni M22
28th August 2007 - Mountain City, Tennessee, USA - RFD Dominator - unregistered - The NTSB report states "The pilot stated to the FAA inspector that he had an accident back in the 1960's. His back was injured. As a result of this, about 10 times a year, his legs will quit working and he will fall. On May 5, 2007, he flew his aircraft. On a latter flight that day, during the takeoff roll, he lost the use of his legs and could not control the rudders. He lost control of the aircraft and it turned over. He was trapped under the aircraft. Gas from the aircraft got on his body causing third degree chemical burns and he broke three ribs, and dislocated a shoulder.
The pilot stated the aircraft was a Dominator by Rotor Flight Dynamics Inc. The pilot finished building the aircraft in February of 2007. The aircraft had a total of 6 hours on it. He had received dual instruction, but he did not have a pilot's license or a student pilot's license. The aircraft did not
have an N registration number; however, he did have two sets of N registration numbers reserved. One of which he was planning to use on this aircraft. The pilot said the aircraft's weight was 350 lbs.
One of the EMT personnel who attended to the pilot at the accident site stated to the FAA inspector
that they have records showing the pilot having an accident in the same aircraft at the same airport in
March of 2007. The FAA inspector did confirm with the pilot that the same thing happened in March. He was not hurt that time; however, the aircraft was damaged. He said he now knows that he lost the use of his legs at that time, but he did not realize it then. No mechanical abnormalities with the aircraft was reported by the pilot. A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident /Incident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received."
26 July 2007 - Omaha Flats, New Zealand - Air Command Elite - ZK-RDW - the NZ CAA report states "The gyrocopter engine lost thrust, and the pilot made a precautionary landing. The aircraft landed heavily on a ridge and tipped over, suffering a blade strike - Damage substantial."
Link to NZ CAA report for Air Command Elite gyrocopter accident
13th June 2007 - Saint-Vincent-les-Forts, Dept 04, France - 06-ZH - Blandine gyrocopter - fatal accident - the gyro hit the tree covered side of a mountain, the pilot was killed. Examination of the wreckage was unable to determine the cause of the accident.
Link to official BEA acident report for accicent 13.6.07
May 6th 2007 - Lumsden, New Zealand - Hintz Tandem Dominator - ZK-RCE - the NZ CAA report states "Coming in to land on a paddock, the pilot made an abnormal landing, causing substantial damage to the gyrocopter but nil injuries."
Link to NZ CAA Tandem Dominator gyrocopter accident report 6.5.07
April 16th 2007 - location unknown, New Zealand - Hintz Tandem Dominator - ZK-REG - the NZ CAA states "On takeoff, the aircraft yawed strongly to the left and did not respond to opposite rudder and stick. The pilot managed to land but the rotor blades flapped downwards and struck various parts of the aircraft - Damage substantial."
Link to NZ CAA accident for Hintz Tandem Dominator gyrocopter accident 16.4.07
15th April 2007 - Onamalutu Valley, New Zealand - Rosco Bruty Gyrocopter - ZK-REJ - the NZ CAA report states "After experiencing fuel exhaustion, the gyrocopter rolled over during the ensuing forced landing - Damage substantial."
Link to NZ CAA report for Rosco Bruty Gyrocopter accident 15.4.07
2006
....June 2006 - near Pahrump, Nevada, USA - Celier Aviation Xenon - N75506 - The Xenon gyrocopter suffered a hard landing resulting in the rotors hitting the ground. This accident does not appear on the NTSB database
1st June 2006 - near Bodmin airfield, Cornwall, England, UK - G-REBA - RAF 2000 GTX-SE - fatal accident. The UK AAIB summary states
"On 1 June 2006 an RAF 2000 autogyro crashed on Bodmin Moor fatally injuring the pilot. During the ongoing investigation it was found that control restrictions could occur on this and other RAF 2000s. It was also found that required duplicate inspections might not have been carried out on this and other RAF 2000s Pending the Final Report, Three interim Safety Recommendations are made."
Link to official UK AAIB report into accident of 1.6.06
17th May 2006 - Oklahoma, USA - unregistered ultralight - Gyro Bee - fatal accident killing the pilot Alan Coates. The GyroBee crashed nose first over the airfield, some suggestions that engine failure may have been involved. As the ultralight gyrocopter was unregistered ( ie had no "N" number issued by the FAA ) there is no NTSB report.
2005
9th June 2005 - New Zealand - ZK-RDP c/n 03061 - UFO Helithruster - crashed near Tainui airfield, two on board injured.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10329972
2004
15th June 2004 - Malov airfield, Denmark - Air Command 532 Elite - "10-15" - fatal accident. The airfield was holding an open afternoon for the local community, several other flight demonstrations were cancelled due to strong winds. The Air Command gyro took off to give a flight demonstration. Witnesses describe a very low flight along the runway at a height of approx 2m before a steep pull up and turn. The pilot lost control at a height of approx 40m and the gyrocopter fell to the ground killing the pilot.
Link to official Danish accident report for 15.6.04
21st February 2004 - Yuba City, California, USA - Sport Copter Vortex - N96XV - Fatal accident - the NTSB summary reports, "The gyrocopter collided with the ground in an uncontrolled descent following a loss of engine power. This was the second test flight for the gyrocopter. A witness reported that the gyrocopter flew overhead at 50 feet, with the engine sputtering. It then entered a steep descent and impacted a dry riverbed about 45 yards away. At the wreckage site, approximately 1/2 tank of fuel was present. No fuel was found in either of the two carburetors. The blades of the pusher propeller, made of carbon fiber and foam filled, were displaced from the gyrocopter and displayed cracks on the surfaces, but were otherwise intact. The main rotor was bent downward and had impacted the gear ring on the main drive shaft. The Rotax 582 engine contained oil and was rotated. The tachometer time indicated a total engine operation time of 12.2 hours. Post accident inspection of the gyrocopter revealed that a vacuum line to the pneumatic fuel pump, which is made of a soft and easily collapsible nylon reinforced vinyl material, was kinked at a 45-degree angle at its attachment fitting. The pilot had a total gyrocopter flight time of 11 hours and this was the second test flight for this gyrocopter."
Link to NTSB accident report for Vortex N96XV 21.2.04
2001
16th June 2001 - Laconia, New Hampshire, USA - RFD Dominator - unregistered - Fatal - The NTSB report states "The non-certificated pilot had recently purchased the gyrocopter; however, he had not accumulated any flight experience in it. On the day of the accident, the pilot performed several high speed taxi tests to "get a feel for the flight controls." He performed the tests on a closed runway, and during the last test, the gyrocopter inadvertently became airborne. While the pilot was attempting to land the gyrocopter, it rolled sideways and impacted trees, coming to rest on the bank of a swamp. Examination of the gyrocopter revealed no mechanical deficiencies."
2000
27th March 2000 - Perkins Field airports, Overton, Nevada, USA - RAF 2000 GTX SE, N60739 - fatal accident - part of the NTSB report reads,
"One witness had talked to the pilot prior to takeoff. He stated that the pilot had told him this was his maiden flight. The witness watched him take off and immediately saw the gyrocopter porpoising in the air. He watched him leave the airport environment and then make a turn back towards the runway. The porpoising stopped; then it started again. As the gyrocopter flew over the runway the porpoising increased in severity. The witness stated that the pilot reduced power during this portion of the flight. The final porpoise that he saw placed the gyrocopter in an inverted position. The witness then saw the gyrocopter fall inverted to the ground from about 100 feet agl."
Link to NTSB accident report 27.3.00
1999
25th September 1999 - Auburn airport, Maine, USA - RFD Dominator - N4449N - the official NTSB report states "According to the pilot, he was practicing a 180 degree turn with 0 airspeed to a downwind condition at 100 feet agl when the accident happened. The pilot added that he had just successfully completed the maneuver once, and was attempting it for a second time. During the second attempt, the pilot slowed the gyroplane until reaching approximately 0 airspeed then applied pedal to execute the turn.
After completing the turn, the gyroplane entered a rapid descent. The pilot advanced the throttle,
and lowered the nose of the gyroplane to gain airspeed.
Recognizing the impending impact, the pilot leveled the rotor's tip-path-plane, and the gyroplane
impacted the ground level with forward airspeed. The landing gear collapsed, and the rotor contacted
the ground on both sides. In addition, the rotor contacted the engine driven propeller, shearing off
all three blades. The gyroplane bounced back into the air, and then impacted the ground for a second
time. During the second impact, the gyroplane was level, but rolled right after ground contact, and
slid 20 to 30 feet on its side before coming to a stop.
The pilot reported the winds were approximately 10 knots. He made no mention of any preimpact
failures or malfunctions that may have contributed to the accident.
According to the manufacture of the kit, the gyroplane would develop a 1,000 to 1,500 foot per minute descent at 0 airspeed."
1998
19th November 1998 - Feilding airfield, New Zealand - RAF 2000 GTX - ZK-RCG - the official New Zealand CAA report states - "While on approach to Feilding Aerodrome, the pilot became unhappy with his approach profile and applied go-around power. The nose of the aircraft pitched up further than the pilot anticipated, resulting in a reduction in airspeed, which caused the aircraft to sink on to the ground and touch down on its left main wheel. The rotor blades then struck the ground and the aircraft rolled on to its left side."
Link to official NZ CAA report for RAF 2000 accident 19.11.98
6th June 1998 - Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Canada - Middair collission between two RAF 2000 GT gyrocopters - fatal. A summary of the official report states, "The two aircraft went overdue from a local VFR flight north of Kindersley airport, Sask. The wreckage of the two gyrocopters was eventually located about 7 NM north of the airport by a farmer. The two aircraft collided in the air and crashed into a field. One aircraft had one pilot and one passenger (a professional photographer) on board while the other aircraft had one pilot on board. All were fatally injured. There is evidence to confirm that the rotor systems intermeshed while in flight, causing rotor break up."
1996
20th April 1996 - Long Marston airfield, Warwickshire, UK - Air Command 532 Elite - G-BOVP - Fatal - part of the AAIB report reads, "....The gyroplane returned some 20 minutes later,heading south, at a height variously estimated as between 1,000and 2,000 feet agl; the wind at 2,000 feet was about 220°/15kt. It was reported to have been flying slowly when it entereda right turn which continued through 360° back to the starting point. It was then that observers noticed that the rotor appeared to be turning very slowly; it was possible to discern the individual blades. The subsequent manoeuvre was variously described but the gyroplane appears to have descended, rotated to the right for 2 or 3 turns and then tumbled to an almost inverted attitude. A witness from a group flying model aircraft heard a "metallic bang"; this was also described by another as "like a starting pistol". He saw the gyroplane tilt initially about 45° to the right and as it fell, the tilt appeared to increase to 90°; it was difficult to determine precisely when the bang occurred but the witness thought it may have been at the point of, or shortly after the initial tilt to the right."" Full report on link below
Link to official UK AAIB accident report Air Command G-BOVP
18th January 1996 - Quincy, Florida, USA - RFD Dominator - unregistered - the NTSB report states "On January 18, 1996, about 1430 central standard time, a privately-owned experimental gyroplane, an unregistered Dominator crashed while on a 14 CFR Part 91 cross-country instructional flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The
gyroplane was substantially damaged and the flight instructor and student were not injured. The
flight had originated from Quincy, Florida, earlier that same day.
The CFI stated that during the takeoff the engine ran rough. He then returned to the airport,
checked the plugs, and cleaned the fuel filter of contaminant that was found. On the second takeoff
the engine ran fine. About 30 minutes into the flight while at 500 feet the engine began to loose
power. He then attempted a downwind precautionary landing to a field. During the landing the nose
gear buckled, and the main rotor blades, propeller, and airframe were damaged."
1993
4th September 1993 - Magnolia, Arkansas, USA - RFD Dominator - N44VJ - the NTSB states "The Pilot/Operator report indicated that the flight departed runway 17 and continued to climb past the end of the runway. The pilot stated that "just as I started to bank to the left my engine stopped and
I had to land straight ahead in tall weeds and briars" which "impeded" the wheels. He further stated
that the gyroplane nosed over and subsequently came to rest on the left side. Main rotor blades,
propeller, and structural tubings were damaged. The pilot reported that he had experienced two
previous engine failures and had changed the fuel pump, the pulse line, and the fuel line. This was
the first flight following that work."
28th January 1993 - Clarcona, Apopka, Florida, USA - RFD Dominator - N4HF - Fatal - the NTSB report states " THE PILOT WAS FLYING AN EXPERIMENTAL HOMEBUILT GYROPLANE IN THE DESIGNATED FLIGHT TEST AREA. WITNESSES HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND HEARD THE AIRPLANE CRASH. NO EYEWITNESSES WERE LOCATED. THE GYROPLANE WAS ALMOST CONSUMED BY FIRE AND NO DETERMINATION OF PREEXISTING FAILURES COULD BE MADE."
Local media name the pilot as Harry Ferran.
Link to news report about Dominator gyrocopter crash 28-1-93
