What happened
On December 9, 2024, an experimental amateur-built M-16 gyroplane, registration N271BP, was involved in a fatal accident at Foley Municipal Airport (5R4) in Foley, Alabama. The flight was being conducted under Part 91 regulations for personal use.
Following a standard engine run-up, the pilot initiated takeoff from runway 18. Witnesses, including a flight instructor, noted that the engine was at full power and operating smoothly throughout the initial phase of flight. After liftoff, the aircraft experienced a period of instability. The pilot applied full left rudder to correct a steep pitch-up, which resulted in the aircraft's nose being oriented 90 degrees to the direction of flight.
During this maneuver, a right cyclic input occurred, which unloaded the rotor system and induced a buntover event. The gyroplane rolled right and passed through an inverted position before impacting the runway in a nose-low, upright position. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage at the accident site, where all major components were located. The initial impact occurred approximately halfway down runway 18, leaving a wreckage path of about 45 feet. The fuselage was deformed by the impact and subsequent fire.
Mechanical examination of the aircraft revealed the following:
- The main rotor hub and blade assembly remained attached, though approximately 50% of each blade from mid-span to the tips was destroyed by fire.
- The cockpit, instrument panel, and flight controls were consumed by fire. While control continuity was established for the rudder, the cyclic control system had breaks due to thermal damage to aluminum mounting brackets.
- The Rotax 912 IS engine sustained impact and fire damage. The No. 3 cylinder was displaced from the crankcase, and impact damage to the propeller driveshaft bearing prevented the crankshaft from rotating. However, a borescope examination of the cylinders showed no internal damage and signs of normal wear.
- The propeller gearbox was inspected; once the damaged driveshaft bearing was removed, the internal gears rotated smoothly without signs of abnormal wear.
- The 3-blade propeller remained mounted to the hub, with blades showing uniform impact damage and shearing of composite fibers opposite the direction of rotation.