What happened
On 30 March 2015, a Magni M2-C Orion, registration G-YROD, was conducting a private flight from Fairoaks Airport to Old Warden Airfield. Upon arriving at Old Warden, the pilot observed that the wind conditions had changed, increasing to approximately 10-15 knots from a 290º direction.
While on final approach to Runway 21, the aircraft encountered significant crosswind gusts that caused lateral yawing. In an effort to align the landing gear, the pilot extended the approach, resulting in a long landing attempt. During this phase, a severe gust prompted the pilot to apply power and initiate a go-around. As the aircraft attempted to climb, the wind strength decreased, causing the gyroplane to yaw to the left and drift toward a fence adjacent to the runway. In an attempt to clear the obstacle, the pilot raised the nose, which led to a critical loss of airspeed and reduced rudder effectiveness. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground, with the rotor blades striking the grass, before rolling onto its right side. The pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by the pilot's accident report, examined the flight sequence and environmental conditions. The AAIB reviewed the pilot's assessment of the wind, noting that while the pilot initially estimated winds of 10-15 knots, the actual conditions on finals were likely 15 knots gusting to 25 knots. Evidence from photographs taken after the event showed windsock movements ranging from nearly vertical to 20 degrees below horizontal, confirming the presence of significant turbulence. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's mechanical state and the pilot's maneuvers during the critical moments of the go-around.