What happened
On the morning of 12 December 2025, a private flight involving a Magni Gyro SRL-24C gyroplane, registered ZU-RLS, ended in an accident at Bapsfontein Aerodrome (FABA) in Gauteng Province. The flight, conducted under visual meteorological conditions, began with a routine departure from the aerodrome. After approximately 35 minutes of flight in the general flying area, the pilot returned to Baps and prepared for landing on Runway 02.
Upon touchdown, the pilot encountered a crosswind blowing from the left. As the aircraft continued its landing roll, the wind caused the gyroplane to drift toward the right side of the runway. In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot applied left rudder and back pressure to manage the rotor energy. However, these corrections were insufficient to counteract the wind. The aircraft subsequently lost directional control and entered a right-side roll, during which the main rotor blades struck the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the aircraft's maintenance history and the pilot's credentials. The investigation confirmed that the ZU-RLS was airworthy, with its most recent annual inspection completed within the required timeframe. No technical defects were reported prior to or during the event. Weather data from the South African Weather Service indicated a northwest wind of 10 knots at the time of the accident. This wind speed was well within the 25-knot maximum demonstrated crosswind component specified in the aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of directional control during the landing roll due to crosswind conditions, which led to a dynamic rollover.
- A contributing factor to the event was the pilot's lack of experience.
- The pilot held a National Pilot Licence but was not specifically rated on the gyroplane type, being rated only for weight-shift or microlight aircraft.