Accident Details
On May 26, 2022, at approximately 19:50 local time, a pilot was preparing for a local training flight at Balatonfőkajár airfield in an Apollo Gyro AG1 autogyro, registration OM-M081. After completing pre-takeoff checks and spinning up the rotor, the pilot began accelerating on runway 17. According to the pilot, at a speed of around 60-70 km/h, just as the nose wheel was about to lift off, the aircraft suddenly banked left and struck the ground, after which a fire broke out. The pilot evacuated the aircraft independently but sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation
The Hungarian Transportation Safety Bureau (KBSZ) conducted the investigation. The wreckage was examined, and the broken vertical mast beam and base frame beam were seized for further analysis. An accredited materials testing laboratory examined the components. The investigation board concluded that the indirect cause of the accident was a manufacturing defect in the vertical mast beam that led to its fracture. However, the board could not determine with certainty whether the mast beam fracture occurred at the beginning of a sequence following a possible improper maneuver or was the primary trigger of the accident. Therefore, the direct cause of the accident could not be established.
Findings
- The aircraft type was an Apollo Gyro AG1 autogyro, privately operated.
- The pilot was the sole occupant and was seriously injured.
- The aircraft was completely destroyed by impact and fire.
- A manufacturing defect in the vertical mast beam was identified as an indirect contributing factor.
- No evidence was found to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the accident.
- The investigation also identified ambiguous elements and gaps in regulations concerning the type certification and maintenance of autogyros, leading to a safety recommendation for legislative amendment.
Safety Recommendations
Prior to the conclusion of the investigation, KBSZ issued a safety recommendation (BA2022-0634-4-1) regarding the manufacturing defect. Additionally, a proposal was made to amend regulations related to autogyro type certification and maintenance.