Gyroplane rolls during go-around at Cark Airfield

Casualties unknown • Cark Airfield, Cumbria, GB

A Magni M24C gyroplane experienced a right-side roll during a go-around attempt, resulting in minor injuries to a passenger.

What happened

On 2 March 2012, a Magni M2SS gyroplane, registration G-ORDW, was conducting a private flight from Cark Airfield in Cumbria. The flight, which included the pilot and one passenger, proceeded without incident until the return to the airfield. The pilot initially planned to land across the runway onto compacted ground strips to take advantage of the wind direction.

Upon the first approach, the pilot determined the touchdown would be too long and initiated a go-around. During the subsequent second approach, the pilot noticed the aircraft drifting toward the right. As the aircraft crossed the runway edge, the pilot attempted to correct the drift by applying left rudder. Simultaneously, the pilot applied full power and right rudder in an attempt to execute the go-around. This caused the aircraft to yaw right and roll onto its right side. The right main wheel struck the runway, and the rotor blades and propeller made contact with the grass. The aircraft eventually came to rest on the runway, oriented 90 degrees to the left of the runway heading.

The investigation

The investigation examined the pilot's actions and the aircraft's behavior during the critical moments of the go-around. The pilot provided a detailed analysis, noting that the decision to land at an angle to the runway centerline was appropriate given the surface conditions and the aircraft's braking capabilities. The investigation looked into the cause of the rightward drift, considering whether the wind direction had shifted or if the second approach was not sufficiently into the wind.

Findings

  • The aircraft sustained damage to the rotor blades, propeller, cabin, and tail.
  • The pilot and passenger escaped serious injury, though the passenger sustained one minor injury (a small cut and bruising).
  • The primary cause of the roll was the incorrect application of left rudder to correct the drift, which, when combined with the go-around power application, induced a rightward roll.
  • The pilot's decision to initiate the go-around was made too late to prevent the loss of control.

Probable cause

The aircraft rolled onto its right side because the pilot applied left rudder to correct a rightward drift during a go-around, which, when combined with full power, caused the aircraft to yaw and roll unexpectedly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-03-02 Magni M24C gyroplane accident near Cark Airfield, Cumbria, GB?

A Magni M24C gyroplane experienced a right-side roll during a go-around attempt, resulting in minor injuries to a passenger.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-03-02 involved a Magni M24C gyroplane, registration G-ORDW, at Cark Airfield, Cumbria, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft rolled onto its right side because the pilot applied left rudder to correct a rightward drift during a go-around, which, when combined with full power, caused the aircraft to yaw and roll unexpectedly.

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