What happened
On 14 September 2008, a private flight involving an RAF 2000 GTX-SE, registration G-BXAC, was performing an approach at Eaglescott Airfield, Devon. The flight was being conducted by a single pilot. The approach was initially stable; however, when the aircraft was approximately five feet above the ground, it experienced a rapid descent.
In an attempt to vacate the runway via a turnoff further down Runway 07, the pilot attempted to reduce engine power to facilitate the turn. This maneuver caused the aircraft to descend even more quickly. The aircraft subsequently made a heavy landing on the runway, causing the gyroplane to roll onto its left side. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight parameters and the pilot's actions during the final moments of the approach. The weather conditions were noted as fine, though a 4-knot breeze was blowing from the south-south-east across the runway. The pilot had 253 hours of flying experience, all of which were on this specific type of aircraft.
Physical damage to the aircraft was significant, including damage to the propeller, rotor, mast top, axle, and the front wheel. The investigation reviewed the pilot's maneuvers and the management of engine power during the transition to the turnoff.