What happened
On 7 November 2010, a Magni M-16 gyroplane, registration ZU-DNH, departed from the A.J.S. private aerodrome in the Eastern Cape for a local flight. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, had completed a thorough pre-flight inspection and loaded 45 litres of Avgas LL 100 before departing under Visual Flight Rules.
At the time of departure, the pilot noted that the weather was favorable and the windsocks at the aerodrome were stationary. While the initial takeoff from runway 04 was uneventful, the aircraft encountered difficulties during the climb phase. At an altitude of approximately 70 feet above mean sea level, the aircraft was struck by a tailwind. This sudden change in wind conditions prevented the aircraft from maintaining its ascent, leading to a heavy impact and a subsequent rollover at the end of the runway.
Despite the significant impact, there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its engine, undercarriage, and main rotor.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight history, maintenance records, and meteorological conditions surrounding the event. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid gyroplane license and medical certificate, and that the aircraft's authority to fly was current. Maintenance records indicated that the aircraft had undergone its last annual inspection in August 2010, shortly before the accident.
Findings
- The flight was a private operation conducted during daylight hours under VFR.
- While winds were stable during the takeoff roll, weather conditions shifted during the climb.
- The pilot performed a downwind takeoff, which, when combined with the subsequent wind gust, contributed to the loss of lift.
- The sudden encounter with a tailwind made a loss of altitude inevitable.