What happened
On 8 May 2017, a private flight involving an MTOsport gyroplane, registration G-HOTC, was attempting to depart from Runway 09 at Shobender Aerodrome, Herefordshire. Before the takeoff roll commenced, the pilot noted that the pre-rotator had only brought the main rotor to a speed of approximately 150-160 rpm, which was below the standard operating speed of 200 rpm.
Despite this lower-than-normal rotor speed, the pilot proceeded with the takeoff. As the aircraft gained speed along the runway, the pilot encountered increasing control forces while attempting to keep the aircraft on the centerline. During the acceleration phase, the aircraft experienced a nose-up pitch and a left roll. This movement caused the rear stabiliser and the tips of the main rotor blades to strike the runway surface. The pilot subsequently aborted the takeoff attempt.
There were no injuries to the pilot during the incident.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the rotor speed at the start of the takeoff roll and the subsequent flight dynamics. The pilot identified that the decision to continue the takeoff with insufficient rotor rpm, coupled with a rapid application of power, resulted in a 'blade flap' condition that destabilised the aircraft.