What happened
On 25 August 2016, a Tango 2 gyrocopter, registration RA-0542A, was participating in the FAI World Paramotor and Microlight Championship in the Autogyro Tandem class. During the takeoff phase at Popham Airfield in Hampshire, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. Video evidence captured the moment the gyrocopter began rotating steeply, causing the rotor blade to strike the ground behind the aircraft. Following this impact, the gyrocopter rolled onto its left side. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was informed by the pilot's accident report and analyzed video footage of the event. The examination focused on the sequence of the takeoff roll and the subsequent rotation of the aircraft. The investigation established that the rotor blade made contact with the terrain during the rotation, which led to the aircraft rolling onto its side. The aircraft sustained damage to the rotor, the propeller, and the left side of the open canopy.