What happened
On September 18, 2015, at approximately 16:3 and 30 local time, a Montalva I gyrocopter, registration CX-MJB, was involved in a fatal accident at the Aeroclub de Minas in the Lavalleja Department. The aircraft, which had been hangaraged at the facility since early September, was being operated for a routine engine test and runway run to ensure proper functionality.
During the operation, the aircraft took off from runway 23. After crossing the intersection of the runways, the aircraft drifted to the right and struck the ground laterally. The impact was severe, causing the aircraft to strike the right main landing gear, which resulted in significant structural damage to the airframe, rotor blades, and propeller. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to bounce and settle 11 meters from the initial contact point. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries due to the high-deceleration impact and internal trauma, including aortic rupture and cardiac tamponade.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's credentials, and the mechanical condition of the gyrocopter. Investigators found that the aircraft was registered as an experimental ultralight. During the inspection of the wreckage, several maintenance concerns were identified, including dried and cracked fuel hoses, non-standard wiring and duct installations, and a missing friction cone retaining screw. Additionally, no engine maintenance documentation was available for review.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's qualifications. It was established that while the pilot had received instruction on the gyrocopter upon purchase in 2004, he did not hold a valid medical certificate for flight activities due to an existing hearing condition, nor was he specifically rated to operate this particular ultralight aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a lack of sufficient translational airspeed relative to the rotor speed, which, combined with the engine torque, caused the aircraft to yaw laterally into the ground.
- The pilot lacked formal flight instruction and was not properly qualified or rated to operate this specific type of gyrocopter.
- The pilot's lack of specific knowledge regarding the aerodynamic actions and reactions of this aircraft type contributed to the loss of control.
- The aircraft had a history of previous damage, including a propeller strike during a prior transport incident.
- Maintenance deficiencies were present, including degraded fuel lines and improper installation of various components.