What happened
On 24 September 2010, a Rotorsport UK MT-03, registration G-CEYX, was involved in an accident during a solo training flight at Kirkbride Airfield, Cumbria. The aircraft, operated by a student pilot, was preparing for a cross-country flight in clear weather conditions.
As the takeoff roll commenced on Runway 10, the pilot failed to apply the required aft cyclic technique prior to engaging the pre-rotator. Instead, the pilot maintained a full forward cyclic position. As the aircraft accelerated, the pilot realized the error after hearing an instructor's radio instruction to move the stick back. Upon pulling the cyclic aft, the gyroplane pitched up and rolled onto its left side. The rotor blades struck the ground, causing damage to the propeller, rudder, fuselage pod, left main landing gear, and rotors. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the takeoff procedures and the pilot's actions during the roll. It was established that the pilot did not follow the taught procedure of selecting aft cyclic before engaging the pre-rotator. The pilot noted that holding the cyclic forward caused the rotor to decelerate, and that pulling back on the cyclic at that specific moment led to a retreating blade stall.
Additionally, the investigation looked into the instructor's observations. The instructor, who was monitoring the takeoff from near the control tower, had issued a radio command to stop the takeoff. It was noted that while rejected takeoff procedures had been discussed in training, they had not been practiced due to the inherent risk of a rollover accident.
Findings
- The pilot failed to use the correct takeoff technique by not selecting aft cyclic before engaging the pre-rotator.
- The sudden application of aft cyclic during the takeoff roll caused the aircraft to experience a retreating blade stall.
- The pilot's error may have been caused by preoccupation with the upcoming cross-country flight.