What happened
On April 30, 2016, a DTA J-RO gyroplane (identified as 26-AFI) departed from the unpaved runway 20 at Montélim and Ancone airfield for the purpose of performing circuit training. After performing two previous flights that morning without the lateral doors installed, the pilot had reinstalled them prior to this departure.
During the initial climb, while performing an acceleration level-off at an estimated altitude of 20 meters, the aircraft exhibited a slight leftward tilt. This was followed by a rapid rightward roll that brought the aircraft into an inverted position. The gyroplane subsequently fell and struck the ground. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no mechanical malfunctions that could account for the loss of control. Analysis of the engine and propeller confirmed that high power was being delivered at the moment of impact. Data retrieved from the onboard computer showed no abnormal engine parameters and corroborated the high power setting during the collision.
While the pilot had followed a pre-flight checklist, investigators found that the safety harnesses were found unfastened, with no evidence of breakage or damage to the buckles or straps. Medical examinations of the pilot's body showed no marks that would have been expected had the harnesses been secured during the impact.
Findings
- The aircraft's manufacturer noted that the DTA J-RO naturally tends to tilt slightly to the left when controls are released during horizontal flight.
- It is possible that the pilot, noticing the harnesses were unfastened, released the controls to secure them, causing the initial leftward tilt.
- The pilot's subsequent attempt to correct this tilt with a sharp rightward input likely caused the main rotor to lose lift, leading to an uncontrollable state.
- The failure to secure the safety harnesses was a critical factor in the sequence of events.