What happened
On 28 January 2002, a SYCAMORE MK1 gyrocopter, registered ZU-CML, was conducting a private flight departing from Runway 28 at St. Francis Aerodrome. Shortly after takeoff, while positioned over the end of the runway, the aircraft encountered a sudden down draught. This meteorological phenomenon caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly. To avoid hitting nearby electrical conductors, the pilot was forced to execute an immediate evasive maneuver, resulting in a forced landing on soft ground.
While the aircraft sustained substantial damage during the impact, there were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the airworthiness and operational history of the aircraft. At the time of the incident, the ZU-CML held a valid Authority To Fly, which had been issued in October 2001. Maintenance records indicated that the most recent annual inspection was completed in August 2001, and the aircraft had only accumulated 24 total flying hours at the time of the accident.
Investigators also noted that the wreckage was removed from the site without the South African Civil Aviation Authority being notified of the occurrence. Furthermore, the pilot had a recent history of non-compliance, having been involved in a separate accident in the same aircraft type on 19 January 2002, which also went unreported to the CAA.
Findings
- The primary factor leading to the forced landing was a sudden down draught encountered immediately after takeoff.
- The pilot's decision to land on soft ground was necessitated by the proximity of overhead electrical lines.
- There was a failure to notify the CAA regarding the accident and the subsequent removal of the wreckage.