Gyroplane runway excursion in Co. Clare caused by crosswind gust

Casualties unknown • IE

A gyroplane experienced a sudden roll and impact with a fence during takeoff at Spanish Point Airfield, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot.

What happened

On 18 March 2022, a two-seat ELA AVIACION SL ELA 07S gyroplane, registration EI-FSR, was attempting a takeoff from Runway 24 at Spanish Point Airfield in Co. Clare. The aircraft, carrying one pilot and one passenger, was being operated for general aviation purposes.

As the pilot increased throttle to gain speed, the aircraft was struck by a sudden southeast wind gust. This wind, acting as a 90-degree crosswind, caused the gyroplane to veer from the runway centerline toward a boundary fence on the right side of the strip. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff by closing the throttle, but directional control could not be maintained. The main rotor struck a fence post, causing the aircraft to roll and eventually become inverted. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a detached rotor blade and a fractured rotor mast. The passenger remained uninjured, but the pilot sustained serious injuries to his right arm and shoulder.

The investigation

The AAIU examined the aircraft's mechanical state, the meteorological conditions, and the pilot's flight experience. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's design, noting that the engine torque from the Rotax 914 engine creates a reactive clockwise torque. The investigation also looked into the pilot's regulatory compliance, finding that while the pilot held a valid UK CAA PPL(G), he had not submitted the required prior notification to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as mandated by local aeronautical notices.

Findings

  • A sudden crosswind gust, combined with the effect of engine torque, initiated a rolling moment to the right.
  • The pilot was unable to compensate for the sudden wind shift by tilting the control stick into the wind before the aircraft departed the runway.
  • The crosswind gust was the primary factor that caused the aircraft to lose centerline alignment and strike the fence.
  • The pilot's use of a two-point lapbelt, rather than a more restrictive harness, may have contributed to the severity of his upper-body injuries during the roll.

Safety action

  • The investigation noted that the pilot was unaware of the requirement to notify the IAA when using a UK-issued license in Irish airspace.

Probable cause

A combination of a sudden crosswind gust and engine torque effects caused the gyroplane to roll and depart the runway centerline, leading to an impact with a fence post.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null Ela Aviacion SL, ELA 07S. accident near IE?

A gyroplane experienced a sudden roll and impact with a fence during takeoff at Spanish Point Airfield, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a Ela Aviacion SL, ELA 07S., registration EI-FSR, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A combination of a sudden crosswind gust and engine torque effects caused the gyroplane to roll and depart the runway centerline, leading to an impact with a fence post.

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