What happened
On 28 March 1998, at approximately 15:15 UTC, a Campbell Cricket Gyroplane, registration G-AYRA, was involved in an accident near Great Billingham School in Norfolk. The aircraft, which was being operated for private purposes, experienced a heavy landing that resulted in structural damage to the front of the fuselage and the rotor blade.
No passengers were on board at the time of the incident, and the pilot was the sole occupant. While the exact extent of any injuries to the crew was not recorded, the aircraft sustained significant damage during the impact.
The investigation
The accident was initially reported to the London Area Air Traffic Control Centre by the Norfolk Police, which then notified the AAIB later that same day. Investigators attempted to contact the pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft, to complete an Air Accident Report Form. However, despite multiple follow-up attempts via telephone and letter, the pilot could not be reached.
It was later understood that the pilot had relocated to Australia in June 1998. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the aircraft was not operating under a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and the pilot did not possess a valid medical certificate. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has since addressed these regulatory discrepancies.