What happened
On 19 November 2009, a Montgomerie-Bensen B8MR gyroplane, registration G-CBSV, was conducting a private flight at Damyns Hall Aerodrome near Upminster, London. The pilot was engaged in practicing flying circuits, specifically focusing on maneuvers involving tight left turns and short landing rolls.
During the final stages of the circuit, the aircraft was at an insufficient height to successfully complete the landing sequence. As the aircraft attempted to touch down, it experienced a right slip. This resulted in the gyroplane rolling onto its side, causing damage to both the propeller and the rotor system. The pilot sustained no injuries during the incident.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the flight path and the mechanics of the landing attempt, establishing that the aircraft's altitude was inadequate for the intended maneuver at the time of the slip.