History of the Flight
On 21 June 2025, at approximately 16:27 UTC, a Bensen B8M Gyrocopter, registration EI-BSG, departed from Runway 18 at ILAS Field (EIIF) in Taghmon, County Wexford, Ireland, to conduct circuits. The sole occupant, the pilot, initially climbed straight ahead to about 200 feet before initiating a left turn. During the turn, the engine lost power. The pilot manipulated the throttle lever without effect and decided to perform a forced landing in a nearby agricultural field. Insufficient speed prevented a flare, resulting in a heavy impact. The gyrocopter bounced and came to rest on its left side. The pilot, wearing a flight suit and helmet and secured by a four-point harness, exited unaided. No fire occurred.
Aircraft Information
The gyrocopter, manufactured in 1986, was a Bensen B8M with a two-bladed metal rotor (6.1 m diameter) and a two-bladed wooden fixed-pitch pusher propeller. Power was provided by a single 1,834 cc Volkswagen horizontally opposed, air-cooled four-cylinder automobile engine, operating on automotive gasoline. The pilot started the engine by hand-swinging the propeller. The gyrocopter had no engine cowlings or carburettor heating system. The empty weight was 393 lb (178.3 kg) and maximum gross weight 598.4 lb (271.4 kg). An annual inspection for permit renewal was completed on 5 June 2025, and the flight permit and validity certificate were issued on 16 June 2025.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 73, held a valid Private Pilot Licence (Gyroplane) issued by the Irish Aviation Authority and a Class 2 Medical Certificate. Total flying experience was 9,100 hours, with 190 hours on type. In the preceding 90 days, the pilot had logged 3 hours 12 minutes on type, all within the last 28 days, including 35 minutes in the last 24 hours.
Damage and Injuries
The gyrocopter sustained substantial damage during the impact sequence. The frame member on which the seat was mounted was broken. No injuries were reported; the pilot was uninjured.