Engine power loss during gyroplane takeoff near Canterbury

Casualties unknown • 4 nm north-west of Canterbury, Kent, GB

A gyroplane experienced a sudden loss of engine power during a takeoff attempt near Canterbury, resulting in a hard landing and damage to the aircraft.

What happened

On 14 August 2012, a RAF 2000 GTX-SE gyroplane, registration G-ONON, was performing a private flight near Canterbury, Kent. The flight began with a takeoff attempt in a south-easterly direction on a 460 m grass airstrip. During this initial attempt, the pilot noticed a perceived engine hesitation and decided to abort the takeoff. After allowing the engine to reach operating temperature, a second takeoff was initiated in a north-westerly direction.

While the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 40 to 50 ft, the engine lost power. The pilot confirmed the throttle position remained unchanged and immediately prepared for an emergency landing on the remaining portion of the runway. To reach the end of the strip, the pilot had to halt all forward momentum before descending vertically. This maneuver resulted in a hard landing at the runway's end, causing damage to the propeller and landing gear. There were no injuries to the pilot.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sudden loss of power and the condition of the engine components. It was noted that a new electronic throttle position sensor had recently been installed on the aircraft. While ground runs following the accident showed normal engine indications, the engine subsequently idled at a significantly higher RPM than specified. The recently installed throttle position sensor was found to have failed, though investigators could not determine if this failure was caused by the accident itself. The pilot's checks confirmed that fuel pumps were functioning correctly and producing appropriate pressure, and no electronic fault codes were present. However, the possibility of fuel vapour lock due to the aircraft being parked in direct sunlight was not ruled out.

Findings

  • The engine lost power at an altitude of 40 to 50 ft during the second takeoff attempt.
  • The pilot performed a controlled but hard landing to avoid leaving the runway.
  • The failure of the recently fitted electronic throttle position sensor was identified, though its direct role in the power loss remained unconfirmed.
  • Fuel vapour lock remained a potential contributing factor due to high ambient temperatures and recent sun exposure.

Probable cause

The engine lost power during takeoff, potentially due to a failure of the newly installed electronic throttle position sensor or the possibility of fuel vapour lock.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-08-14 RAF 2000 GTX-SE accident near 4 nm north-west of Canterbury, Kent, GB?

A gyroplane experienced a sudden loss of engine power during a takeoff attempt near Canterbury, resulting in a hard landing and damage to the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-08-14 involved a RAF 2000 GTX-SE, registration G-ONON, at 4 nm north-west of Canterbury, Kent, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power during takeoff, potentially due to a failure of the newly installed electronic throttle position sensor or the possibility of fuel vapour lock.

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