What happened
On 8 February 2003, a RAF 2000 GTX gyroplane, registration G-BXMG, was conducting a private local flight from Long Marston Airfield in Warwickshire. During takeoff from Runway 22, the pilot noted that while surface winds were approximately 10 knots from the south-west, the wind strength increased significantly at higher altitudes. To maintain the flight track, the pilot was forced to apply full left roll trim and additional control input, a configuration that remained in use for the duration of the flight.
Upon returning to the airfield roughly 15 minutes later, the pilot initiated an approach to Runway 22. Although the pilot described the wind as being straight down the runway, a sudden gust from the left occurred during the flare, approximately one foot above the ground. This gust caused the aircraft to roll toward the right. Despite the pilot's immediate application of full left control input, the aircraft continued to roll until it came to rest on its side on the runway. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft suffered extensive damage.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wind conditions and the aircraft's mechanical state. While the pilot had relied on a weather forecast from Birmingham Airport, which indicated winds of 12 knots with no gusts, an eyewitness at the airfield reported much higher winds, with a mean speed of 17 knots and gusts reaching approximately 25 knots.
Regarding the aircraft's airworthiness, the investigation found that the G-BXMG had recently passed its Permit to Fly air test and no mechanical failures or control rigging issues were identified. The investigation also reviewed the effectiveness of the aircraft's emergency exit procedures, noting that the pilot found the process of releasing the three door catches time-consuming during the post-accident escape, particularly as fuel was leaking from the breather hole.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a lack of control authority due to excessive crosswind during the landing flare.
- The pilot's assessment of the wind was based on personal experience rather than local airfield instrumentation, which was not easily visible.
- The pilot had not yet met the specific flight hour requirements to be exempt from the more stringent wind limitations imposed by a recent Mandatory Permit Directive, though he was not technically required to follow them at the time of the incident.
Safety action
- Safety Recommendation 2003-93: It is recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority review the requirement for 'IN EMERGENCY PULL' external placards on the exit doors of RAF 2000 gyroplanes, as the current placement may hinder rescue efforts if the internal latches cannot be released.