What happened
On 24 April 2003, a VPM M16 Tandem Trainer, registration G-YROW, was conducting a private local cross-country flight departing from a parade ground at Pirbright Barracks, Surrey. The aircraft was carrying a full fuel load and two occupants. Following a successful takeoff into the wind, the pilot noted that the aircraft's climb and acceleration performance were inferior to expectations.
In response to this performance deficit, the pilot attempted a precautionary landing on a nearby running track. This maneuver required a 90-degree left turn and a reduction in airspeed. Upon observing various fences and obstructions around the track, the pilot decided to execute a further left turn to land downwind on adjacent playing fields. During this maneuver, the airspeed dropped too low. In an attempt to reach the intended landing area, the pilot applied power, but the aircraft continued to descend. The gyroplane struck the roof of a single-storey building before rolling onto its side. The impact caused damage to the rotor blades and undercarriage. The pilot sustained serious facial and rib injuries, while the passenger suffered minor bruising.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot had previously operated the same aircraft from the same takeoff site two days prior without issue. However, for the flight in question, the aircraft was operating at a higher weight due to a full fuel load and the presence of a passenger. The investigation also examined the pilot's decision-making process regarding the selection of an alternative landing site and the management of airspeed during the turn.
Findings
- The pilot relied too heavily on the experience of a previous successful takeoff from the same location, failing to account for the increased weight of the aircraft with a full fuel load and an additional occupant.
- The pilot allowed the airspeed to decay too significantly while attempting to navigate around obstacles, leaving insufficient energy to reach the intended landing area.