What happened
On 28 April 2011, a Magni M24C Orion gyroplane, registration G-CGTI, departed Old Sarum Airfield for a local flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot's side 'gull-wing' door opened to a horizontal position. The pilot notified radio communications of the door issue and intended to return to the airfield.
As the aircraft completed its circuit, it was observed flying at a higher speed than normal. Upon reaching the end of the downwind leg, the pilot attempted to land in a nearby field. During this maneuver, the engine noise decreased significantly, and the aircraft rolled sharply to the left before striking the ground and catching fire. The impact resulted in one fatality.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and recovered GPS data, which showed the aircraft was flying at speeds exceeding the typical 60–7 and 70 mph range. The investigation focused on the door mechanism, finding that while the door appeared closed, the latching spigots had not properly engaged the locating blocks.
Analysis of the cockpit controls revealed that the throttle lever is positioned such that the door lock lever can restrict its movement. The investigation established that the pilot likely held the door closed with one hand while flying with the other. When the pilot reduced power to land, the sudden movement of the throttle likely caused the aircraft to roll rapidly to the left, a phenomenon the pilot may not have been prepared for at low altitude.
Findings
- The pilot's door was closed but not correctly latched in the locating blocks.
- The door opened during the takeoff phase due to the insecure latching.
- The pilot likely attempted to manage the door with one hand while flying, potentially leaving the control column unsupported during power reduction.
- Rapidly closing the throttle while not holding the control column caused a sudden, unrecoverable roll to the left.