History of Flight
On 5 February 2011 at 1030Z, a Magni Gyro M16, registration ZU-RDS, operated by the owner, took off from Bucks Aerodrome on a private flight with a passenger. The intended landing was back at the same aerodrome. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions. According to the pilot, the takeoff roll from Runway 16 was normal. At approximately 70 mph, he rotated the gyrocopter. After rotation, the gyrocopter was sluggish and would not climb. The pilot engaged the turbo, but it had no effect. He then decided to land back on the runway, retarding the throttle to idle and performing an autorotation landing. The rate of descent was high, and the gyrocopter touched down with no forward speed. The tail made contact with the ground first, the gyrocopter bounced, rolled onto its right side, and a post-impact fire erupted. The passenger assisted the pilot after he had difficulty releasing his safety harness. Both occupants sustained serious burn injuries during evacuation. The gyrocopter was consumed by the post-impact fire.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot and passenger sustained serious burn injuries. No fatalities occurred.
Damage to Aircraft
The gyrocopter was consumed by the post-impact fire after coming to rest on its right side.
Other Damage
No other damage was caused during the accident sequence.
Personnel Information
The pilot, a 55-year-old male, held a valid gyroplane license with 233.0 total flying hours, all on type. His license was endorsed for the Magni Gyro M16. He had no previous accidents.
Aircraft Information
The Magni Gyro M16, serial number 16021974, was manufactured in 2002. Total airframe hours at the time of accident were 1161.2. The last annual inspection was on 6 June 2010 at 1100.2 hours. The aircraft had an Authority to Fly issued on 2 July 2010. The engine was a Rotex 914 with 1161.2 hours since new and 171.7 hours since overhaul. The propeller was an Arplast with 359.0 hours since new. The take-off weight was 526 kg, exceeding the maximum allowable take-off weight by 26 kg.
Meteorological Information
Wind was 340° true at 6 knots, temperature 25°C, dew point 15°C, visibility >10 km, cloud cover 3-4 eighths at 3500 ft. Density altitude was calculated at 5328 ft.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The primary debris path was within a 40-meter radius toward the end of the runway. The final wreckage position was to the right side toward the end of Runway 16, with the nose facing northeast, lying on its right side.
Fire
The post-impact fire was caused by a ruptured fuel tank spilling fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust manifold. A witness extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher.
Survival Aspects
The accident was considered survivable as the cockpit area remained intact before being consumed by fire. Safety harnesses did not fail. Both occupants sustained serious burn injuries before escaping.