Synopsis
The control stick was moved to the aft position during the takeoff run. The rotors struck the ground and the gyroplane rolled onto its side.
History of the Flight
The pilot lined up the gyroplane and pre-rotated the rotor to 200 rpm before an into-wind takeoff from a wet, grass runway which sloped down. Maximum wheel braking was applied. After disengaging the pre-rotator and before moving the control stick aft for takeoff, the gyroplane's wheels started to slide. Although the grass was very wet, the wheel brakes had held during an earlier engine check.
The pilot was distracted by the apparent brake failure. When he realised he could not prevent the gyroplane sliding forwards, he elected to take off. Thinking he had already moved the control stick aft, he released the brake and let the gyroplane accelerate.
After travelling approximately 70 m, the pilot pulled the control stick back. The gyroplane rolled quickly left, the rotors struck the ground, followed by the propeller, causing the engine to stop. The gyroplane came to a halt on its left side. The pilot, with some difficulty, forced open the canopy and climbed out.
Afterwards, the pilot realised he should have abandoned the takeoff when the wheels began to slide. His distraction with the braking issue caused him to overlook the important step of moving the control stick aft before releasing the brake. By moving the control stick aft once the gyroplane gained speed, rather than when it was stationary, he induced a rapid roll to the left which he could not correct. The rotor blades would have stalled when moving rearwards on the left side due to a high angle of attack and low rotor speed, leading to reduced lift on the left side of the rotor disc.
Injuries
The pilot sustained minor injuries. No passengers were on board.
Damage
The gyroplane sustained extensive damage.
Pilot Information
The pilot held an 'Other' licence (not further specified). He was 51 years old with 72 hours total flying experience, of which 10 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 18 hours, and in the last 28 days, 5 hours.