What happened
On 17 April 2011, a Rotorsport UK Calidus, registration G-HTBT, was performing a private flight at Perth Airport, Scotland. During the landing ground roll, the pilot initiated a movement of the control column forward. This action induced a rolling moment to the right, causing the gyroplane to tilt onto its right side. As the aircraft skidded forward while rotating to the right, it completed a 180-degree turn before coming to a rest. The impact resulted in damage to the rotors, propeller, empinage, mast, canopy, front section, and the right wheel. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Following the incident, the pilot and passenger confirmed they were unhurt, after which the aircraft was moved from the runway and debris was cleared. The investigation focused on the pilot's control inputs during the landing phase and the subsequent physical response of the aircraft.