What happened
On Sunday, November 17, 2002, at 15:35, a homemade two-seat ultralight gyrocopter, identified as W 36-LM, was involved in a fatal accident during its maiden flight at Argenton-sur-Creuse. The pilot, who was also the aircraft's builder and owner, had previously conducted approximately twelve hours of engine break-in procedures, including taxiing and short hops, but had not yet flown this specific prototype.
During the takeoff attempt on runway 22, the pilot used an electric starter to accelerate the rotor. As the aircraft began its takeoff roll, the pilot applied power progressively before suddenly increasing it rapidly. Witnesses observed the gyrocopter accelerating quickly over a distance of 300 meters. The aircraft briefly lifted to a height of approximately 50 centimeters before touching back down on the runway. In a second attempt, the pilot increased power and pulled back on the control stick. This caused the aircraft to pitch up sharply and tilt heavily to the left, leading to a stall at an altitude of roughly ten meters. The aircraft struck the ground on its rear section about 50 meters from the left edge of the runway, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage of the W 36-LM and found no mechanical anomalies that contributed to the crash. The investigation also noted that a previous flight attempt, intended to be conducted by the pilot's instructor, had been aborted shortly after takeoff due to insufficient engine cooling.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an inappropriate takeoff technique.
- The rapid application of power during the second part of the takeoff roll likely prevented the rotor from reaching the necessary RPM to provide sufficient lift.
- The pilot's decision to proceed with the first flight despite the lack of experience on this specific type was a contributing factor.