What happened
On 8 March 2022, a Magni Gyro M-24 plus microlight, registration 05TD, departed from the Mont-Dauphin – Saint-Crépin aerodrome for a cross-country flight toward Gap – Tallard. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered strong winds and gusts. While flying south, the gyroplane entered a descending turn at a low altitude of approximately 50 ft, though the pilot managed to recover control briefly.
As the aircraft continued its climb and entered the Durance valley, it encountered further atmospheric instability. Witnesses observed the aircraft struggling to maintain stability in both pitch and roll. At an altitude of approximately 560 ft, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which inverted and struck the ground in a wooded area, subsequently catching fire. The accident resulted in one fatality and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage and the flight control assembly, specifically the yoke and square pivot. Investigators discovered that a bolt in the assembly had been installed upside down and was missing from the crash site. While the pin remained, it had ruptured at both ends, and the bore holes in the assembly showed signs of being out-of-round. Although the manufacturer noted that such deformations are typically seen in ground impacts, the investigators could not rule out that a mechanical failure of the pitch and roll controls occurred in flight.
Additionally, the investigation looked into a recent modification to the rotor, which had been replaced with aluminum blades from Averso. The investigation also noted that the pilot had underlying advanced atherosclerosis, which could have led to incapacitation during the high-stress flight conditions.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying in moderate to strong turbulence characterized by downdrafts and rotors (vortices) caused by the local terrain.
- The pilot's decision to fly in such turbulent conditions with limited experience on this specific modified aircraft may have contributed to the loss of control.
- The high engine power of the M-24 plus increases the risk of rotor unloading during steep climbs, a risk that was likely heightened by the atmospheric conditions.
- A mechanical separation of the pitch and roll control assembly during flight remains a possible, though unconfirmed, cause of the accident.