What happened
During the final approach to runway 03, a gyrocopter was descending with its flaps and landing gear already deployed. According to eyewitness accounts, the aircraft was positioned approximately 50 to 100 feet above the terrain when the engine suddenly transitioned to full power. This surge in power caused the aircraft to enter a sharp, climbing right turn. Observers noted that the aircraft appeared to be traveling at a very low airspeed during this steep ascent.
While the aircraft was in this climbing attitude, the wings leveled out, followed by a sudden left bank and a nose-down pitch toward the ground. At the time of the accident, a different gyrocopter, which was not equipped with a radio, had recently departed from runway 03. The impact resulted in two fatalities.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden increase in engine power during the final approach phase.
- The flight path transitioned from a steep climbing right turn to a left bank and a subsequent dive into the ground.