What happened
On 7 May 2017, a Rotorsport UK MT-03 gyroplane, registration G-TELC, was departing from Runway 26 at Carrickmore Airfield for a private flight. The pilot and one passenger were returning to the UK mainland following a fly-in event.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot increased the rotor pre-rotation speed to assist with the relatively short runway. The aircraft successfully lifted off and began to climb. However, as the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the nose pitch increased slightly, and the gyroplane began to sink. The pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft to follow the lower ground, but the gyroplane descended into a wooded ravine beyond the runway threshold. The impact with a large tree stump caused the forward fuselage to sustain damage beyond economic repair. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's performance, the airfield environment, and the meteorological conditions. The investigation reviewed video footage of the takeoff, which showed the aircraft reaching an altitude of approximately 50 to 100 feet before the descent began. There was no evidence of engine failure during the climb.
Investigators analyzed the runway characteristics, noting that Runway 26 is 375 meters long and features a downslope. The investigation also considered the impact of the wind, which was recorded at 9 knots from 010 degrees, providing a small tailwind component. The investigation looked into the pilot's potential perception of pressure to depart quickly due to other aircraft activity at the busy airfield.
Findings
- The takeoff occurred on a short runway with a slight tailwind component.
- As the gyroplane climbed above the tree line, it lost the wind shelter provided by the trees, exposing it to increasing wind strength and a tailwind.
- The loss of ground effect and the potential encounter with sinking air or increased tailwind likely caused a reduction in airspeed.
- A slight increase in pitch attitude occurred just before the sink, which may have been caused by pilot input or wind changes.
- The aircraft did not have sufficient altitude to lower the nose and regain the necessary airspeed to maintain the climb.