What happened
On 13 July 2007, a Magni Gyro M16, registration ZU-DNF, was conducting a private flight near Kyalami. After completing approximately 15 minutes of circuit flying, the pilot landed the gyroplane on the gravel runway at Summit Private Aerodrome. Following the landing, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft off the runway and onto a taxiway.
While taxiing toward the hangar area, the aircraft traveled roughly 22 meters with the main rotor blades still in motion. As the hangar doors were being opened on the left side of the taxiway, the rotating blades struck a pole supporting the hangar structure. There were no injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained damage to the rotor blades and the main rotor mast.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances of the ground incident and reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history. Records indicated that the aircraft's last annual inspection had been completed on 19 September 2006, with 115.2 flight hours accumulated since that service. The aircraft's authority to fly was valid at the time of the event.
During the inquiry, information was gathered from the South African Gyroplane Association (SAGPA) regarding standard operating procedures. It was noted that standard practice for gyroplane operations involves waiting for the main rotor blades to come to a complete stop before taxiing the aircraft toward hangar facilities.
Findings
- The pilot proceeded to taxi the aircraft while the main rotor blades were still rotating.
- The pilot misjudged the clearance between the active rotor blades and the structural pole near the hangar.
- The incident occurred during fine weather conditions with good visibility and light winds.