What happened
On 27 October 2018, a RAF 2000 GTX-SE gyroplane, registration G-HEKK, was conducting a private flight from a grass airstrip in Great Heck, North Yorkshire. After taking off in a southerly direction, the pilot reached an altitude of approximately 80 ft. Upon clearing a nearby tree line, the aircraft encountered sudden, severe turbulence and a downdraft.
In response to these atmospheric conditions, the pilot reduced engine power and lowered the aircraft's nose. This maneuver led to an immediate descent, causing the aircraft to strike the ground. The impact resulted in significant damage to the airframe, propeller, rotor blades, and landing gear. The pilot, who was wearing a full harness, sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the pilot's actions and the aircraft's mechanical state. The pilot, an experienced flyer with 1,939 total hours, noted that the unexpected nature of the turbulence likely prompted his decision to reduce power and pitch the nose down.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials. At the time of the accident, the pilot's single-engine gyroplane rating had expired. The pilot had mistakenly believed his license revalidation was due in November rather than October; however, the rating was successfully revalidated in December 2018.