What happened
On September 10, 2012, at approximately 17:15 LMT, a Calidus 914 UL gyrocopter, registration D-MGDA, was performing a non-commercial flight near Jastarnia, Poland. The flight was intended to familiarize a passenger with a coastal scanning project area.
During the takeoff from Jastaria airfield (EPJA), the pilot opted to use a shorter portion of the runway to avoid a softer, grassier section of the strip. After the aircraft became airborne, the pilot transitioned into a climb at a speed of approximately 70–80 km/h. Shortly after, the pilot noticed the aircraft began to "sink" toward a nearby treeline. To avoid a collision with the trees, the pilot executed a dynamic 180-degree left turn. This maneuver exacerbated the descent, resulting in a hard landing where the rotor blades struck the ground, causing the aircraft to capsize on its right side. The aircraft was destroyed, though the pilot and passenger escaped without injury.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, which included specialized scanning equipment that increased aerodynamic drag. The investigators noted that the pilot lacked the complete flight and engine manuals for this specific aircraft. The analysis focused on the takeoff performance, noting that high ambient temperatures (+26°C) and the aircraft's weight—near its maximum takeoff weight—significantly increased the required takeoff distance and decreased the climb rate. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's cockpit workload and the lack of runway markings at the airfield.
Findings
- The primary cause was a pilot error in flight technique, specifically failing to maintain level flight to accelerate to the required 100–110 km/h before attempting a climb.
- The pilot failed to properly assess the takeoff progress and did not abort the maneuver at a safe distance from the trees.
- The pilot's attention was divided, focusing excessively on engine RPM rather than maintaining proper airspeed.
- The aircraft was operating in a dangerous H-V (height-velocity) zone, where the high angle of attack and insufficient airspeed prevented the generation of necessary lift.
- Contributing factors included the pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft type and the lack of updated operating manuals for the modified configuration.