Accident
On 11 May 2001, at approximately 1430Z, a Sycamore MK 2000 gyrocopter, registration ZU-CJH, was involved in an accident at Farm Elsjan in the Komatipoort area. The aircraft was being operated as a private flight under LS/1 status. The pilot, aged 56, held a valid gyroplane license with 287.49 total flying hours, of which 36.49 were on type.
According to a statement obtained from the pilot, the aircraft accelerated normally during take-off. After about 200 meters, it veered to the left and pitched up to a height of approximately 2 meters. The rotor then struck the ground behind the aircraft, causing the gyrocopter to descend into a sugarcane field, coming to rest on its right side at roughly 90 degrees to the direction of take-off.
Investigation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority investigated the accident. Meteorological conditions at the time were fine with calm wind, temperature of 24°C, and visibility greater than 10 km. The accident resulted in no injuries and no fatalities. The wreckage came to rest on its right side, but specific damage items are not detailed in the report.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official report, is that the pilot applied too much back pressure on the control column during the take-off roll, resulting in a sudden substantial nose-up attitude on lift off, which led to the subsequent impact by the rotors with the runway surface. A contributory factor identified was the pilot's attempt to rotate before obtaining sufficient speed or rotor rpm.