What happened
On 31 July 2012, a Rotorsport UK MT-0CO3 gyroplane, registration G-CFKA, was conducting a private flight at Rufforth Airfield East. After performing an overhead join at 1,600 feet, the pilot noted no response to radio calls on the SAFETYCOM frequency. Using the airfield windsock for reference, the pilot determined that Runway 14 offered a direct headwind and selected it for landing.
During the approach, the pilot performed two wide S-turns to account for the necessary descent profile. The pilot intended to touch down at approximately one-third of the runway length, maintaining a descent speed of 50 mph from 700 feet. However, during the final stages of the approach, the pilot realized the touchdown point would be further down the runway, near the midpoint. The aircraft landed with the engine power off. Although the pilot applied the brakes, the aircraft failed to decelerate as expected and continued to roll across the runway, crossing Runway 23/05.
The aircraft eventually struck an earth verge, causing the nose and the left side of the aircraft to lift. The gyroplane tipped onto its right side, causing the rotor to stop abruptly. The aircraft came to rest approximately 15 feet into the adjacent Rufforth West airfield. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, mast, pod, nose leg, and rotors.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence and the pilot's actions during the landing phase. The investigators reviewed the pilot's assessment of the wind conditions and the decision-making process regarding the landing distance. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's deceleration performance and the physical impact with the earth verge.