What happened
On 20 April 2015, a Magni M16 gyrocopter, registration ZU-DNH, was conducting a commercial agricultural spraying mission in the Western Cape. The aircraft had departed from a private airstrip in Citrusdal, carrying 70 litres of GF120 insecticide intended for use at Twaktuin Farm.
As the aircraft approached the orchard, witnesses observed it flying at a low altitude, just above the tree line. While maneuvering near the northern corner of the farm, the pilot attempted a left-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost altitude and the main rotor struck several orange trees. The impact caused the aircraft to strike the ground, followed by a severe post-impact fire that completely destroyed the airframe and killed the pilot.