Accident Summary
On June 15, 2023, approximately at 20:55 local time, a gyrocopter Celier Xenon 4, registration ES-GXA, crashed onto the asphalt road at Vaida-Urge tee 9 km in Aruvalla, Harjumaa, Estonia. The aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. The pilot, a 60-year-old male, died in the accident.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Flybrokers Sp.Z.o.o. Xenon 4, model year 2018, with a valid airworthiness inspection certificate issued on May 12, 2023. It was equipped with a 135 hp Rotax 912ULS-T engine, a Kaspar KA 2/3 LT propeller, and a Gyro-Tech NACA-8H12 aluminum extruded rotor that rotates counterclockwise. The pilot held a valid ultralight aircraft (UAG(L)) pilot license issued on September 5, 2022, and a Class 2 medical certificate valid until March 5, 2027.
Sequence of Events
According to witness statements, the pilot began flights from a grass field in Aruvalla around 20:30. The purpose was to practice maneuvers for a demonstration at the Estonian Aviation Days near Tartu on June 17–18. The pilot intended to practice engine-off landings among other maneuvers. Witnesses reported hearing the engine stop in flight, followed by a loud bang about 3–5 seconds later, then saw flames at the accident site.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage found no technical malfunctions that could have caused an unintended engine or rotor stoppage. The engine was stopped at impact, and the rotor was either stopped or spinning very slowly. The investigation concluded that the pilot likely intentionally shut off the engine to practice an engine-off landing. After stopping the engine, the pilot attempted a left turn toward the landing area while flying in a light downwind (1.1 m/s). This maneuver likely involved holding the stick back to maintain rotor energy, which rapidly reduced airspeed and altitude. To avoid nearby power lines, the pilot may have executed a sharp left turn with nose-down input, further reducing rotor angle of attack and rotor RPM, causing a rapid loss of lift. Given the low altitude, recovery was not possible.
Probable Cause
The Estonian Safety Investigation Board (OJK) determined that the accident was caused by pilot error. Under perceived performance pressure to prepare for the upcoming demonstration flights, the pilot did not adequately account for weather conditions and did not use proper altitude or piloting techniques for engine-off maneuvers in a gyrocopter, leading to rapid rotor energy dissipation, rotor stall, and loss of lift.