What happened
On June 27, 2012, at approximately 14:00 local time, a pilot was performing circuit patterns at the Aalen-Heidenheim/Elchingen airfield. The pilot, who had recently received instruction on the AutoGyro Cavalon model, was flying the aircraft in the left-hand seat. During the third circuit, while on final approach to runway 27, the aircraft was observed slightly north of the runway centerline.
At an altitude of approximately 3 meters, the gyrocopter, which had a slight left bank, suddenly rolled sharply to the left and struck the runway. The impact of the fuselage and rotor blade tips caused the aircraft to cartwheel several times. The pilot was ejected from the cabin and sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft, which was operated by a local flight school, came to rest approximately 5 and 50 meters from the initial impact point, where the cabin was completely destroyed by fire. Bystanders attempted to provide medical assistance and extinguished the fire before emergency services arrived.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the pilot's recent experience. The aircraft, a 2012 AutoGyro Cavalon, had a total time in service of only 35.5 hours. Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the rudder and control linkages were intact, and the rotor head was free-moving with no signs of mechanical failure. The investigation also considered the pilot's background, noting he was a qualified flight instructor with approximately 450 total flight hours, though only about one hour of experience was on this specific model.
Findings
- The pilot was operating the aircraft from the left seat, whereas the manufacturer's flight manual specifies that solo flights should only be conducted from the right seat.
- The pilot had very limited experience with the AutoGyro Cavalon, having completed only a 15-minute orientation flight a few days prior.
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the side-by-side configuration and the specific control ergonomics of the model contributed to the loss of control.
- Transitioning from tandem-seat gyrocopters to this side-by-side model presents unique challenges, such as the lack of visual indicators (like a central weighted string) to detect sideslip, and the reversed hand positioning required for the engine throttle and control stick.
- The manufacturer warns that sideslip can lead to a loss of airflow under the rotor, potentially causing a loss of control through a phenomenon known as rotor underslung/underslip.