What happened
On February 21, 2021, at approximately 09:20 local time, an AutoGyro Calidus, registration F-JDWE, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Aérodrome de La Côte (LSGP) to Lausanne-La Blécherette (LSGL). During the landing phase on runway 36, the gyroplane became unstable. This instability caused the aircraft to tip over onto its right side.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an inquiry into the incident. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control during the touchdown on runway 36. The aircraft, which was operated for private purposes, sustained heavy damage as a result of the overturn.
Findings
The primary factor identified in this preliminary report was the instability of the aircraft during the landing maneuver, which directly resulted in the gyroplane rolling onto its side.