Accident Summary
On 27 October 2018 at approximately 1344 hours UTC, a privately operated RAF 2000 GTX-SE gyroplane, registration G-HEKK, was involved in an accident at Great Heck, North Yorkshire. The sole occupant, the pilot, sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear, rotor blades, propeller, and airframe.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
G-HEKK is a single-engine gyroplane manufactured in 1997, powered by a Subaru EJ22 piston engine. The pilot, aged 72, held a Private Pilot’s Licence with a single-engine gyroplane rating. He had accrued 1,939 total flying hours, including 625 hours on type. In the 90 days preceding the accident, he flew 16 hours; in the last 28 days, he flew 2 hours.
Sequence of Events
Before takeoff, the pilot assessed the wind direction as 290° using a windsock. He departed from the grass strip at Great Heck in a southerly direction. At approximately 80 ft altitude, after clearing a tree line, the pilot encountered what he described as “unexpected severe turbulence and down draft.” The aircraft descended to about 40 ft. In response, the pilot reported cutting engine power and lowering the nose. This immediately caused the aircraft to descend to the ground, resulting in significant damage.
Pilot’s License Status
The pilot’s single-engine gyroplane rating had expired on 11 October 2018, approximately two weeks before the accident. The pilot stated he believed his licence revalidation was required in November, not October, which accounted for the expired rating at the time. The licence was subsequently revalidated on 12 December 2018.