Gyroplane rolls over after encountering wind shear during landing

Casualties unknown • On a grass-covered runway at Vleesbank Private Farm Airstrip, Western Cape, ZA

A Magni Gyroplane M22 sustained substantial damage after a sudden low-level wind shear caused the pilot to lose directional control on a grass runway in the Western Cape.

What happened

On the afternoon of 4 October 2025, a private scenic flight in the Western Cape ended in an aircraft rollover. The pilot, operating a Magni Gyroplane M22 with registration ZU-EMD, was performing a local flight from the Vleesbank Private Farm Airstrip, intending to return to the same location. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions in accordance with Part 9 and 4 regulations.

Upon returning to the farm airstrip, the pilot attempted a full-stop landing on the grass runway. As the aircraft touched down at approximately 20 mph, it encountered a sudden burst of low-level wind shear originating from the left. This atmospheric disturbance caused the pilot to lose directional control of the aircraft. The gyroplane veered right, exiting the runway and entering an area of tall wheat crops. During this excursion, the rotor blades struck the crops, triggering a right-side rollover. While the aircraft suffered substantial damage, the pilot and passenger escaped without injury.

The investigation

SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid National Pilot Licence and a current Class 2 medical certificate. The aircraft, ZU-EMD, was found to be airworthy, with a valid Authority-to-Fly and a recent annual inspection completed approximately 15 hours prior to the event. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was carrying 25 litres of AVGAS 100LL at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

The loss of directional control during the landing roll due to encountering sudden low-level wind shear from the left, which led the aircraft off the runway and into tall crops.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2025-10-04 Magni; Gyroplane-M22 accident near On a grass-covered runway at Vleesbank Private Farm Airstrip, Western Cape, ZA?

A Magni Gyroplane M22 sustained substantial damage after a sudden low-level wind shear caused the pilot to lose directional control on a grass runway in the Western Cape.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2025-10-04 involved a Magni; Gyroplane-M22, registration ZU-EMD, at On a grass-covered runway at Vleesbank Private Farm Airstrip, Western Cape, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of directional control during the landing roll due to encountering sudden low-level wind shear from the left, which led the aircraft off the runway and into tall crops.

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