What happened
On October 16, 2021, at approximately 17:15 local time, an experimental Tercel gyrocopter was performing local flight operations near Machalí, in the O'Higgins Region of Chile. The aircraft, an experimental Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) manufactured by Aviation Artur Trendak, was operated by a private pilot accompanied by one passenger.
As the pilot initiated the flare maneuver while crossing the threshold of a landing site not designated as an aerodrome, one of the propeller blades struck objects on the ground. The impact involved a loose wire and a tree branch originating from a nearby perimeter fence. Following the contact, the pilot was able to complete the landing normally. While the pilot and passenger were uninjured, the aircraft sustained damage consisting of fractures and delamination on one of the propeller blades.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft, the landing site, and available flight documentation. The investigation included an analysis of video footage recorded by the passenger, which captured the approach and the moment of impact.
Technical inspections of the Tercel confirmed that the engine, propeller, and main rotor were in good working order and that all maintenance requirements were up to date. The investigation also verified that the landing site met the regulatory requirements for a site not defined as an aerodrome under Chilean regulations (DAN 14 07). Furthermore, the pilot's records indicated familiarity with the site, having performed previous operations there.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the pilot conducted a landing approach with a vertical clearance significantly lower than the minimums required by the Pilot Operating Handbook.
- The Pilot Operating Handbook specifies a crossing height of 50 feet (15 meters) over obstacles; however, video analysis and ground inspections confirmed the aircraft crossed the threshold at an altitude of less than 2 meters.
- The low approach trajectory caused the propeller blade to strike a branch and a wire from a perimeter fence located at the start of the landing area.
- There were no mechanical failures or technical malfunctions contributing to the event.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the DGAC Chile issued recommendations to reiterate the importance of adhering to the specific landing procedures outlined in Pilot Operating Handbooks, particularly regarding minimum obstacle clearance heights. Additionally, the authority emphasized the necessity for operators using non-aerodrome landing sites to ensure all necessary land-use permissions and safety conditions are met.