What happened
On 31 July 2015, a Rotorsport UK Calidus, registration G-CLDS, was performing a private flight from a grass strip near a golf course in Hereford. The pilot was attempting a short-field takeoff, a technique involving pre-rotating the blades and accelerating with the control stick held fully aft.
As the aircraft reached a speed of roughly 40 mph during the takeoff roll, the nose pitched up sharply, and the gyroplane became airborne. However, the aircraft maintained an excessive nose-high attitude while the engine remained at full power, causing the airspeed to drop rapidly. The aircraft began a descent and a right-hand turn. Realizing the danger, the pilot alerted the passenger just before the rotor blades struck the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to roll onto its side and the engine to cease operation. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the takeoff sequence and the pilot's handling of the aircraft. It was noted that the pilot had practiced this specific short-field technique at a different airfield earlier that day to prepare for the flight from this particular strip. The investigation looked into the physical conditions of the takeoff area and the pilot's corrective actions during the critical moments of the climb.
Findings
- The aircraft's nose rose too abruptly during the takeoff run, which the pilot attributed to the possibility of hitting a bump in the grass.
- The pilot failed to move the control stick forward sufficiently to correct the nose-high attitude and maintain airspeed.
- The pilot did not reduce power or abort the takeoff once the airspeed began to decay dangerously.