What happened
On 22 July 2008, an RAF 2000 GTX-SE gyroplane, registration G-CCUH, was returning to Wellcross Farm Airstrip in West Sussex following a flight from Popham. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by clear visibility and light winds.
During the approach to Runway 04 from the south, the aircraft touched down normally. However, during the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft began to veer toward the left. The aircraft subsequently struck a concrete post situated at the edge of the runway and transitioned into ploughed ground. As the aircraft entered a standing crop of oats, it swerved to the right, causing the aircraft to tip onto its right side. The propeller struck the crop and the ground, leading to a rapid deceleration and an engine stall. The pilot, who sustained no injuries, was able to switch off the ignition and exit the aircraft safely.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's control inputs and the aircraft's handling characteristics during the landing phase. The pilot noted that the aircraft did not decelerate as expected immediately after touchdown. He suggested that he may have made improper control inputs, specifically noting the possibility of releasing back pressure on the stick.
Investigators examined the mechanical link between the nosewheel and the rudder. Because the nosewheel is linked to the rudder, any deviation from a straight path would cause a change in direction that the pilot was unable to correct. Additionally, the investigation considered the impact of the Mandatory Permit Directive (MPD2006-013), which requires the aircraft to be flown without doors. This configuration increases the pilot's exposure to engine noise, which the pilot believed may have hindered his ability to accurately perceive the engine power setting during the roll.