148 total accidents on gyroaccidents.blogspot.co.uk

Breakdown by model (click a link to go that list):
Air Command - 4 accidents
AutoGyro Calidus - 14 accidents
AutoGyro Cavalon - 5 accidents
AutoGyro MTO - 28 accidents
Aviomania - 0 accidents
Butterfly - 1 accidents
Dominator - 16 accidents
DTA J-Ro - 3 accidents
ELA - 12 accidents
Honeybee - 1 accidents
Magni - 10 accidents
RAF 2000 - 10 accidents
SparrowHawk - 5 accidents
Sport-Copter - 4 accidents
Star Bee - 3 accidents
Trixy - 3 accidents
Xenon - 7 accidents
Other - 22 accidents


Air Command

1st June 2013 - near Hebron, Maryland, MD, USA - Air Command gyro - the pilot states the gyrocopter was being flown at 30 feet above ground level and at 40 knots indicated airspeed. The gyro started to lose altitude and a gust dropped him down to just 5 feet above ground level before impacting into a ploughed field. The Air Command gyro rolled over with damage to the blades, propeller and mast. The pilots seat belt also tore during the accident. 

29th January 2013 - Westminster, Maryland, MD, USA - Air Command- N393GX - the gyrocopter apparently struck power cables before crashing into a nearby field near Clearview Airpark Airport. The pilot received minor injuries.

15th June 2004 - Malov airfield, Denmark - Air Command 532 Elite - "10-15" - fatal accident.  The airfield was holding an open afternoon for the local community, several other flight demonstrations were cancelled due to strong winds. The Air Command gyro took off to give a flight demonstration. Witnesses describe a very low flight along the runway at a height of approx 2m before a steep pull up and turn. The pilot lost control at a height of approx 40m and the gyrocopter fell to the ground killing the pilot.

20th April 1996 - Long Marston airfield, Warwickshire, UK - Air Command 532 Elite - G-BOVP - Fatal  - part of the AAIB report reads, "....The gyroplane returned some 20 minutes later,heading south, at a height variously estimated as between 1,000and 2,000 feet agl; the wind at 2,000 feet was about 220°/15kt. It was reported to have been flying slowly when it entereda right turn which continued through 360° back to the starting point. It was then that observers noticed that the rotor appeared to be turning very slowly; it was possible to discern the individual blades.  The subsequent manoeuvre was variously described but the gyroplane appears to have descended, rotated to the right for 2 or 3 turns and then tumbled to an almost inverted attitude. A witness from a group flying model aircraft heard a "metallic bang"; this was also described by another as "like a starting pistol". He saw the gyroplane tilt initially about 45° to the right and as it fell, the tilt appeared to increase to 90°; it was difficult to determine precisely when the bang occurred but the witness thought it may have been at the point of, or shortly after the initial tilt to the right.""   Full report on link below

AutoGyro Calidus

13th December 2023 - Stevensville airport, Maryland, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N279AT - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT ROLLED OVER ON ITS SIDE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND."   17-11-23 - Yuma airport, Arizona - ELA 10 Eclipse - N82TK- The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT WAS HIT BY A DUST DEVIL AND DEPARTED THE PREPARED SURFACE STRIKING A SIGN, YUMA, ARIZONA. - flight phase taxying"   November-5th 23 - Goulburn Weir, Nagambie, Victoria, Australia - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - Fatal accident - The gyrocopter crashed onto open grasslands killing the pilot and injuring the passenger.     Link to ABC News report of gyrocopter accident at Goulburn Weir  Oct 21st-2023 - Omaka airfield, Blenheim, New Zealand - Sport Copter Vortex M912 - ZK-RDX - Fatal accident - Local news reports the pilot of a gyrocopter was killed in an accident and post crash fire at Omaka airfield Link to news report of gyrocopter accident at Omaka NZ

5th September 2013 - Baragwanath airfield, South Africa - Auto-Gyro Calidus - ZU-RHE - the gyrocopter rolled over during landing  - source SA CAA

26th July 2013 - Drummondville, Quebec, Canada - C-GMUI - Auto-Gyro Calidus - During take off the gyrocopter rolled over to the left,  skidded off the tarmac runway and onto the grass to the left. The main undercarriage detached from the fuselage. The rotor blades were badly damaged. The pilot was able to exit via the large cut outs in the summer style canopy. The pilot suffered injuries to his left elbow.

12th July 2013 - Bryansk, Russia - Auto-Gyro Calidus - RA-0038A - Fatal - the yellow gyrocopter is believed to have hit powerlines across the river Desna before crashing into the water. Two persons on board. The pilot was rescued, the body of the passenger was recovered some hours later.  The TV report below shows the wires to be maybe about 10m above the ground.

10th April 2013 - Wickenby airfield, Lincolnshire, England, UK - Auto-Gyro Calidus - G-CGMD - The Calidus crashed during take off. The official UK AAIB report states ""Whilst attempting to take off the pilot applied aft control stick in order to raise the nosewheel. A 'hammering' vibration occurred and the aircraft veered to the left, off the runway, coming to rest on its side. It was concluded that the rotor rpm may have reduced as a result of the pilot not having held the stick fully aft during the takeoff roll; this may then have caused retreating blade stall.""

23rd January 2013 - Kirkbride airfield, Cumbria, England, UK  - G-CGJD - Auto-Gyro Calidus -

29th October 2012 - Var, Provence, France - Fatal - gyrocopter hit electricity power cables across a valley, crashed and burned out - 1 fatality - gyro type uncertain but possibly a Calidus

29th September 2012 - Shoreham airport, West Sussex, UK - G-ETOJ - Auto-Gyro Calidus - take off accident, pilot taken to hospital - UK AAIB report suggests the pilot over rotated on take off with the main blades striking the ground.

10th September 2012 - Jastarnia airfield, Poland - D-MGDA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - take off accident. The German registered gyrocopter was fitted with a sensor pod for aerial geo-survey work along the Polish Baltic coastline. Just after take off the pilot thought he would not clear tall trees at the edge of the airfield so conducted a 180 degree turn for an emergency landing. The Calidus gyro rolled over after the blades struck the ground during the emergency landing. The pilot and passenger escaped unharmed although the gyrocopter is said to be destroyed.

17th June 2012 - Tauranga Bay, New Zealand - ZK-MZM  - Auto-Gyro Calidus - lost power after take off and ditched into Tauranga Bay, two on board rescued by passing boats.

2nd June 2012 - Gubkinsky, Yamal-Nenets, Russia - Auto-Gyro Calidus - registration unknown - the gyrocopter hit a low metal fence whilst landing ( on a road ? ) in a built up urban area injurying the pilot and passenger.  A photo on the news link below appears to show the same gyrocopter parked on a small concrete pad in a car park beside a block of flats prior to the accident. 

20th May 2012 - Near Falmouth, Cornwall, UK - G-CGLY - Auto-Gyro Calidus - Gyro made emergency forced landing after apparent power loss, hit power cables as landing, damage to rotor mast and blades, no injury.

7th October 2011 - Thompsonville Airport, Thompsonville, Michigan, MI, USA - Auto-Gyro Calidus - N455BW - no injury - the pilot stated that the takeoff seemed normal, but on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern the gyrocraft tended to roll to the right and he had difficulty keeping it level. He completed the traffic pattern and successfully touched down on the runway. However, after landing, he was unable to maintain control. The gyrocraft departed the runway pavement and rolled onto its right side. The gyrocraft sustained substantial damage to the rotor mast and fuselage.

17th April 2011 - Perth airfield, Scotland - G-HTBT - Auto-Gyro Calidus - the gyrocopter rolled over to the right during the landing roll

AutoGyro Cavalon

17th April 2021 - Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, USA - Tango 2 - N886T - The FAA ASIAS summary reports  - "AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON TOUCH AND GOES, COEUR D'ALENE, ID." 12-April-21 - Caboolture, Queensland, Australia - Revolution gyrocopter - registration unknown - The ATSB initial summary states "During landing, the pilot lost directional control and the gyrocopter collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries." ATSB Ref 202102036   8-3-21 - Torrance airport, California, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N232PG - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT LANDED AND WHILE TAXIING NOSE GEAR DETACHED, TORRANCE, CA." February 6th-2021 - Near Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia - Magni M24 - registration unknown - The ATSB initial summary states "During cruise, the door opened and then detached from the aircraft."ATSB Ref 202102043   18th January 2021 - Neuvache valley, Valmeinier, Savoie, France - Magni M16 - 48-BU Fatal - The gyrocopter crashed in high mountains at an altitude of approx 2,200 metres. The gyro took off from the mountain altiport at Valloire Bonnenuit. The 70 year old pilot was killed in the accident

4th August 2020 - Upper Lake, California, USA - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - N635BC - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, UPPER LAKE, CA." - injuries are listed as serious and damage as substantial. The pilot and passenger were both airlifted to hospital. 

14th June 2016 - Morningstar airfield, Western Cape, South Africa - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - ZU-RKR  - the Cavalon gyrocopter crashed moments after taking off, rolling to the left with the blades hitting the ground beside the runway. The passenger escaped unhurt but the pilot was initially trapped and sustained a broken arm.

11th June 2013 - Chiltern Air Park, Oxfordshire, England, UK - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - G-CIAT - the gyrocopter rolled over during landing. The official UK AAIB report states "The gyroplane veered left after landing and rolled over onto its right side. The student pilot attributed the accident to inputting left rudder and putting the stick forward too quickly, and hence not allowing the energy to dissipate. There were no injuries."

27th June 2012 - Aalen-Elchingen, Germany - Auto-Gyro Cavalon - D-MFWQ - c/n V00031 - Fatal accident, whilst landing the gyrocopter impacted the ground and burst into flames, from a height of approx 3m - 1 fatality.

AutoGyro MTO

3rd November 2020 - Putwin, Butler County, Kansas, USA - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - N455WM - Fatal   - the FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, WICHITA, KS." - the pilot and passenger were both killed.  Local media show burnt wreckage on flat farmland.

6th May 2016 - near Geradmer, France - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - registration 80-..... - Fatal Accident - The gyrocopter crashed into a wooded area on a steep hillside in the Vosges. The flight departed from Remomeix and is thought to have been an aerial photo survey possible in company with a second gyrocopter. The pilot and passenger received major injuries and were airlifted to hospital.

5th July 2015 - Near Sovdeborg airfield ( ESMI ), Sweden - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - SE-VRL - The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off from Sovdeborg airfield. The gyrocopter climbed to a height of approx 50m but struggled to climb further. The pilot adjusted the variable pitch propeller but speed and height were lost. The pilot turned the gyrocopter to the right and foreced landed in a field. The tail and nose wheel broke off. The pilot and passenger escaped with minor injuries. It is believed the variable pitch propeller was not set correctly for take off.

16th January 2014 - Hooks airport, Harris county, Spring, Texas, USA - N250TX - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter operated by the Tomball Police Dept rolled over whilst taxying just after leaving the runway following a landing. The pilot and observer were uninjured. The gyrocopter has damage to the blades, rotor mast and tail.

30th December 2013 - Tragwein, Freistadt, Austria - D-MAIV - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter appears to have rolled over on landing in a field with a slope. The rotor blades detached and the propeller shows sign of damage.

21st December 2013 - Kinglake national park, Dixons Creek, Victoria - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - G-2347 - Fatal accident - a two seat gyrocopter crashed during a scenic flight having taken off from Dixons Creek. The pilot and tourist passenger were both killed in the crash in the high ground of Kingslake. The gyrocopter was operated by Yarra Valley Flightsports. Local media name the pilot as Reg Thaggard and the 18 year old passenger as Jordan Pang from Singapore.

22nd September 2013 - Mazeppa Bay, South Africa - ZU-ERT - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - during climb out with two on board the gyrocopter suddenly descended when at approx 30m and could not gain altitude. The pilot tried to accelerate down into a neighbouring valley, passed under a power line but was boxed in by more power lines and the valley side so made a forced landing. The gyrocopter cartwheeled on landing but both pilot and passenger were able to walk away from the accident. Subsequently after downloading the controller it was discovered that approx 11 seconds after takeoff started the computer opened the engine wastegate leaving the pilot with just 91% power from the 115% expected.  The problem was traced to a faulty component in the turbo protection system.

8th September 2013 - Brits area, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - ZU-RGL - During approach for landing the gyro experienced windshear which resulted in height loss - the gyrocopter hit vegetation on final approach. - source SA CAA

15th April 2013 - near Pofadder, Onseepkans, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - ZU-REB - the gyro crashed in the Augrabies area of Northern Cape area after suffering control problems. This gyro was one of six taking part in a tour of the region at the time. The SA CAA report states the pilot experienced a down draught near Augrabies and collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage to the gyrocopter - see photo below.

12th April 2013 - Northern Cape, South Africa - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - ZU-REI - the pilot experienced a rough running engine whilst in flight and made a precautionary out field landing.

28th December 2012 - Mtunzini beach, South Africa - MT-03 / MTOsport gyro - engine problem and emergency force landing into sea shoreline - both occupants able to swim to the beach.  Gyro recovered from the sea by tractor.

20th October 2012 - Bourland, Cresson, Texas, USA - N589DH - Auto-Gyro MTOSport - gyro crashed during touch and go whilst circuit training. Pilot Don Hunthrop injured.

31st July 2012 - Rufforth airfield, Yorkshire, England, UK - G-CFKA - Auto-Gyro MT-03  - the gyro overran on landing, hit a bump and tipped over onto its right side.  The AAIB summary says "

7th July 2012 - Waldeck airfield, Kassel, Germany - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - D-MOIX - middair collision, as the gyrocopter took off it was hit by a landing glider. The glider was destroyed, the MTOsport landed with some rotor damage.

27th April 2012 - Dealseville, Free State province, South Africa - MT-03 - ZU-EMR - fatal accident. The gyro departed from an airstrip at Fouriesburg and hit telephone wires en route before crashing into the ground - the pilot was killed. The telephone wires were at a height of approx just 6m.

31st March 2012 - Kirkbride, Cumbria, UK - G-CGGL - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - The gyroplane suffered a partial loss of engine power during takeoff. The instructor landed the aircraft on the remaining runway but was unable to bring it to a stop before it ran off the runway end.

24th March 2012 - Lommersum, Germany - MTOsport - D-M..... - the pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The gyrocopter was flying low over the village of Lommersum. The passenger was a member of a wedding day party and was going to release roses over the brides home. As the pilot slowed the gyro it descended and hit a tall roof  and then crashed into the courtyard of a house below.

5th November 2011 - Sweden - SE-VNI - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyro crashed during take off with a flight student on his first lesson in the front cockpit. As the gyro accelerated along the runway the student held the stick aft but failed to respond to the instructors commands as the nose lifted off. The instructor tried to take control but could not overcome the pressure of the stick being held firmly back by the student. The nose came up steeply and the rotor blades struck the ground behind the gyro causing the gyro to roll onto its side. The two on board received minor injuries. 

23rd October 2011 - near Hirschenbuhl, Germany - D-MRWZ - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter crashed into a forest after encountering engine problems.

16th July 2011 - Breitscheid airfield ( EDGB ), Germany - D-MAUT - Autogyro MTOsport - fatal accident killing the pilot and passenger. The gyrocopter crashed on short finals approach to runway 25. The pilot had alreadt flown several landings to this runway earlier in the day. GPS data shows the final approach to have drifted a little off of centreline and passed over tall trees. The BFU report suggests a combination of side slip, uplift turbulence by the trees and limited experience to have led to this accident. Note that the rotor blades showed sign of being bent upwards.

27th June 2011 - near Llanbedr, North Wales, UK - G-LZED - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyro was taking for from a camping field with a slight downward slope. The gyrocopter hit the top of a low wall as it took off and crashed. No injuries to the pilot and passenger but the gyro was extensively damaged. The UK AAIB report suggests the field length was too short to allow climb to clear the wall obstacle.

7th August 2009 - near Bovenden, Eddigehausen, Germany - D-MTUK- Auto-Gyro MT-03 - Fatal - the gyrocopter was on a scenic flight with a passenger when it crashed into a dense forest area. Both the pilot and passenger were killed.

1st August 2009 - Visingso airfield, Sweden - SE-VNA - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - the gyrocopter took off to depart an airshow but seconds after rotation the gyro nose dived into the runway landing hard on the nose wheel - the gyrocopter came to rest on its side and quickly caught fire. Spectators pulled the pilot and passenger from the wreckage.

4th July 2009 - Holyrood airstrip, Lancashire, England, UK - G-DWDW - Auto-Gyro MTOsport  - the UK AAIB summary report states, "The aircraft was operating from a private field and, with the pilot, one passenger and 40 kg of fuel on board, was probably lighter than its maximum 500 kg takeoff weight. Having assessed the wind direction and speed as 120° and 7 kt, the pilot attempted to take off in an easterly direction. After a longer than anticipated takeoff run the pilot judged that the aircraft would not climb sufficiently to avoid trees near the eastern edge of the field. To avoid these he turned the aircraft left but in doing so it descended. He was also aware of electricity cables to the south of the field that would constrain his flight path if he attempted to turn right. Nevertheless, judging that the aircraft would not climb above a fence at the eastern end of the field he aborted the takeoff and attempted to turn right through 180°. The aircraft landed heavily and rolled onto its side. The pilot and passenger vacated the aircraft without injury and righted the aircraft to avoid fuel spillage. The pilot stated that the wind direction changed after his initial assessment such that the takeoff was downwind"

29th May 2009 - Pirmasens airfield ( EDRP ) Germany - D-MMSP - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - c/n D05 G11 - the pilot was seriously injured. The gyrocopter took off and climbed steeply before rolling to the left and crashing by the airfield boundary.

2nd November 2008 - Thannhausen airfield ( EDNU ), Germany - Autogyro MT-03 - D-M...... - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter flew several passes along the runway before turning back along the runway in the opposite direction. The final steep turn resulted in a rapid decrease in the rotor spin with the gyro falling almost vertically into the airfield below.

23rd August 2008 - Lindormsnäs, Upplands Bro, near Stockholm, Sweden - Auto-Gyro MTOsport - SE-V...... - The gyrocopter crashed whilst coming in to land possibly in a field by a house. It is said to have fallen from approx 40m hitting some trees on the way down. The pilot and passenger were both hurt. 

7th June 2008 - Marignac Lasclares, Dept 31, France - 31-HK - Auto-Gyro MT-03 - fatal accident pilot killed. The pilot lost his visor in flight, became distracted and induced blade flap. The main rotor blades struck the rear tail rudder causing the in-flight break up of the tail.

Aviomania

Butterfly

29th October 2012 - Miami, Texas, USA - N621WC - Aurora Butterfly  - take off accident involving the use of pre-rotator system, the gyrocopter flipped over

Dominator

23rd August 2014 - Near Athenry, County Galway, Eire - RFD Dominator - EI-EZY - The AAIU Eire accident report summary states "The Pilot departed from the garden at his residence for a one hour local flight. This site was where the gyroplane was based. At the end of the flight he made a normal approach to land back in the garden. On final approach at low height, the gyroplane experienced some sink. The Pilot applied power but the gyroplane landed somewhat heavily, the nosewheel leg fractured and the gyroplane toppled over sustaining substantial damage"

12th October 2013 - Sumter airport ( KSMS ), South Carolina, USA - RFD Dominator single seat - N42957 - the gyrocopter was being prepared for flight - the pilot was struck on the legs by the propeller after the gyro jumped its chocks - the pilot may have accidentally knocked the throttle whilst outside the cockpit. The empty gyrocopter continued taxying until it hit a perimeter fence and turned over. The pilot was taken to hospital with injuries to his legs.

26th September 2013 - Front Range airport ( KFTG ), Denver, Colorado, USA - Dominator gyro - N728PJ - The single seat Dominator gyrocopter crashed at the airport during take off - the gyrocopter cartwheeled and the pilot received major injuries.

29th April 2013 - Valkaria airport, Palm Bay, Brevard county, Florida, USA - RFD Dominator - N85KY - fatal accident. The pilot was flying early morning when the crash happened at approx 07.45 local time. The gyro impacted the runway near a parked Cessna killing the gyro pilot. Local media report the pilot as Scott Adair.

28th January 2013 - Gainesville, Texas, TX, USA - Dominator 2 seat - N4844W -  new build gyrocopter registered as a "Webb 2" crashed during a turn over the airfield. Pilot John Webb received minor injuries 

28th June 2012 - Omaha, Nebraska, USA - Dominator - N447PM - during flight testing of a newly built Dominator gyrocopter the aircraft turned over whilst on the runway causing substantial damage. The NTSB report states "The private pilot, who held an airplane single engine land rating, had been taking dual instruction in a gyroplane. During the takeoff portion of his first solo flight in the gyroplane, it began drifting toward the edge of the runway. Although the pilot initiated an abort and tried to realign the gyroplane with the runway, his control inputs resulted in the gyroplane rolling onto its side, whereupon it sustained substantial damage. According to the pilot, there was no indication of any mechanical malfunction. Wind conditions were calm."

25th July 2011 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA - N559RD - Dominator single seat - the NTSB summary report states - The pilot reported that, during the initial climb after takeoff, the gyroplane reached about 75 to 100 feet above ground level when it started to settle. He reported that the gyroplane was not creating enough lift to clear the trees located near the west end of the runway and that he did not have enough airspeed or altitude to turn around. The gyroplane continued to lose altitude and the pilot performed a forced landing to an area that was clear of people and cars. The gyroplane landed hard and subsequently rolled onto its right side. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the gyroplane prior to the accident.

14th May 2011 - near Kaitaia, New Zealand - ZK-RAW - Autoflight  Dominator - Fatal accident - pilot killed and passenger seriously injured. The synopsis published by the NZ CAA saya "After approximately 20 minutes of sightseeing, the gyroplane returned to the general area of the paddock used for the take-off and was seen to perform a series of abrupt manoeuvres. During an abrupt turn the gyroplane descended rapidly and struck the ground. The gyroplane was destroyed and the pilot received fatal injuries"

3rd May 2011 - Blue Spings, Nebraska, USA - N103EB - Dominator - Fatal accident - Witnesses reported seeing the gyrocopter depart from a private airstrip. Shortly after the gyrocopter was airborne, it struck a telephone line, descended and impacted the road. A postimpact fire ensued and the gyrocopter sustained substantial damage during the impact with the road and the postimpact fire. A postaccident examination of the gyrocopter, engine, and its systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

2nd October 2007 - Ashland, Kentucky, USA - RFD Dominator - N444PD - The NTSB report states"According to a telephone conversation with the pilot, he was conducting touch and go landings to runway 28 (5,602 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). He stated that during the landing flare, the nose of the

28th August 2007 - Mountain City, Tennessee, USA - RFD Dominator - unregistered - The NTSB report states "The pilot stated to the FAA inspector that he had an accident back in the 1960's. His back was injured. As a result of this, about 10 times a year, his legs will quit working and he will fall. On May 5, 2007, he flew his aircraft. On a latter flight that day, during the takeoff roll, he lost the use of his legs and could not control the rudders. He lost control of the aircraft and it turned over. He was trapped under the aircraft. Gas from the aircraft got on his body causing third degree chemical burns and he broke three ribs, and dislocated a shoulder.

16th June 2001 - Laconia, New Hampshire, USA - RFD Dominator - unregistered  - Fatal - The NTSB report states "The non-certificated pilot had recently purchased the gyrocopter; however, he had not accumulated any flight experience in it. On the day of the accident, the pilot performed several high speed taxi tests to "get a feel for the flight controls." He performed the tests on a closed runway, and during the last test, the gyrocopter inadvertently became airborne. While the pilot was attempting to land the gyrocopter, it rolled sideways and impacted trees, coming to rest on the bank of a swamp. Examination of the gyrocopter revealed no mechanical deficiencies."

25th September 1999 - Auburn airport, Maine, USA - RFD Dominator - N4449N - the official NTSB report states "According to the pilot, he was practicing a 180 degree turn with 0 airspeed to a downwind condition at 100 feet agl when the accident happened. The pilot added that he had just successfully completed the maneuver once, and was attempting it for a second time. During the second attempt, the pilot slowed the gyroplane until reaching approximately 0 airspeed then applied pedal to execute the turn.

18th January 1996 - Quincy, Florida, USA - RFD Dominator - unregistered - the NTSB report states "On January 18, 1996, about 1430 central standard time, a privately-owned experimental gyroplane, an unregistered Dominator crashed while on a 14 CFR Part 91 cross-country instructional flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The

4th September 1993 - Magnolia, Arkansas, USA - RFD Dominator - N44VJ - the NTSB states "The Pilot/Operator report indicated that the flight departed runway 17 and continued to climb past the end of the runway. The pilot stated that "just as I started to bank to the left my engine stopped and

28th January 1993 - Clarcona, Apopka, Florida, USA - RFD Dominator - N4HF - Fatal - the NTSB report states " THE PILOT WAS FLYING AN EXPERIMENTAL HOMEBUILT GYROPLANE IN THE DESIGNATED FLIGHT TEST AREA. WITNESSES HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND HEARD THE AIRPLANE CRASH. NO EYEWITNESSES WERE LOCATED. THE GYROPLANE WAS ALMOST CONSUMED BY FIRE AND NO DETERMINATION OF PREEXISTING FAILURES COULD BE MADE."

DTA J-Ro

13th August 2013 - Montelimar airfield, France - DTA J-RO - registration unknown - the orange DTA J-RO gyrocopter crashed during take off at the airfield. The gyrocopter ended up on its port side. The pilot was removed by emergency services and taken to hospital with injuries to his shoulder and arm.

30th June 2013 - Casaleggio airfield, Italy - DTA J-RO - French registered - the gyrocopter was part of a group touring the region. During take off ( believed with a passenger and luggage ) the J-RO failed to climb more than a few meters. The pilot turned the gyro through 180 degrees but sink continued and the gyrocopter hit the grass airfield. The rotors hit the ground with the mast breaking off - the gyro ended up on its side. The gyro was powered by a Rotax 914 engine.

28th May 2013 - Saint Lambert, Quebec, Canada - DTA J-Ro - C-GNJO - c/n 07- fatal accident. The gyrocopter had just taken off from the airfield at Saint Lambert and had climbed approx 100-200 feet. The pilot was under instruction from the ground by radio. Officials from TSB will investigate the accident. This yellow DTA J-Ro was powered by a Rotax 914 and was delivered new to Canada in February 2013. Local media name the pilot as Norman Giroux.

ELA

18th March 2022 - Spanish Point airfield, Eire - ELA 07S - EI-FSR - The AAIU initial summary states "Gyroplane rollover on take off"-  investigation ongoing

2nd December 2013 - Coulommiers-Mouroux, Seine-Marne ( Dept 77 ), France - ELA gyrocopter - 34-AHF -  Fatal accident.  The gyrocopter was being used for instruction and crashed at the local airfield. Both the student and the instructor pilot were killed.

9th August 2013 - Moelan sur Mer, Morbihan, Britany, France - Celier Aviation Xenon - the Xenon was on a flight from Lann Bihoue to Concarneau when the engine faltered. The gyrocopter descended from approx 500ft and landed onto rocks along the estuary of the river Merrien. The pilot and passenger were not injured - the Xenon gyro was recovered ahead of the incoming tide.  The pilot is quoted as saying ( Google translation )  ""Apparently, an oil line would have broken: witnesses saw a plume of black smoke behind the camera. I kept it as long as possible in the air to drop to fall vertically and ask ourselves flat on the rocks, to avoid rollover.""

18th June 2013 -  Mount Elliott area, Queensland , Australia -  ELA 08 gyrocopter - The ATSB summary states the pilot and passenger of an ELA Tandem gyrocopter were flying from an airfield south-east of Townsville, Qld to a farm to have lunch. On the return trip, they flew via a waterfall at Mount Elliott, about 25 km southeast of Townsville. The pilot reported that on flying up to the waterfall area, he realised that he was a bit low and decided to make a left turn and increase throttle to maximum. As he applied full power, the slipper clutch malfunctioned resulting in a loss of rotor revolutions per minute (RPM). The gyrocopter’s airspeed started to reduce rapidly and the gyrocopter began to sink. Due to a ridge in front of the aircraft, the pilot decided to make a forced landing in a wooded gully. The aircraft landed upright on a log in a thick, vined tree canopy, but the pilot broke his leg in the accident. The pilot had an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) which he activated, and was able to contact search and rescue via mobile telephone to organise aeromedical retrieval.

9th October 2012 - Medina-Sidonia, Spain - EC-ZKI - ELA 07 - gyro overturned during an emergency landing after flight controls believed to be have jammed shortly after take off. Pilot injured.

21st July 2012 - Shiocton airfield, Bovina, Wisconsin, USA - N115WB - RAF 2000 - the pilot lost control whilst taking photographs - the NTSB reads The pilot of the gyrocopter reported that he was taking aerial photos of the airport. He stated he was flying toward the airport and trying to take photos when he realized he was getting too close to the airport. He initiated a turn downwind away from the airport at which time the gyrocopter lost altitude. The lower right side of the fuselage and the right landing gear strut contacted a guy wire attached to a utility pole alongside the highway that bordered the south side of the airport. The gyrocopter then descended, impacted terrain, and came to rest in a ditch alongside Highway 54, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical tail surfaces and the main rotor blades. The pilot stated that he was distracted by trying to use the camera and that he was not paying attention to the surroundings when the accident occurred.

31st March 2012 - Anahuac, TX, Texas, USA - N9012R - RAF 2000 - no injuries - The NTSB final report states,"Analysis  - The student pilot and flight instructor were practicing takeoffs, flight maneuvers, and landings in the student pilot's gyroplane. After landing on the runway with a right crosswind, the student pilot attempted to taxi the gyroplane back to the hangar. During the taxi forward, the gyroplane began to roll to the right and the rotor blades contacted the runway. The student pilot stated that the nosewheel and cyclic positions at the time of the forward taxi were likely the reasons for the roll to the right; this statement was consistent with the student pilot not repositioning the nosewheel and cyclic after the landing to a safe taxi position. The gyroplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage structure. The student pilot and flight instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.Probable Cause and Findings - The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:The student pilot's improper nosewheel and cyclic positioning during the taxi, which resulted in the gyroplane's main rotor contacting the runway surface. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.

2nd January 2012 - Whangarei, New Zealand - ZK-RCG - RAF 2000 - landing accident the gyro tipped over as it landed, the airport manager said ""I think he lost a bit of directional control, he was coming down and a wind gust caught him and he's probably touched down when the aircraft was moving sideways, relative to the ground. That's probably just flipped it onto its back.''

26th November 2011 - Vilafranca, Majorca, Spain  - EC-KUT - ELA-07 - fatal accident on the perimeter of the airfield during descent the gyro appeared to roll over and impact the ground vertically before exploding - the pilot Andy Tille and his student were both killed.

3rd September 2011 - Medina Sidonia airfield, Spain - EC-KOS - ELA-07 - pilot and passenger badly injured when rotor/hub bar failed ?

20th August 2011 - Delaware, Ohio, USA  - N2631B - American Autogyro Sparrowhawk - the NTSB summary report states - The non certificated pilot stated that, during initial climb about 20 to 30 feet above the ground, he noticed that the gyroplane's airspeed was lower than intended and that the gyroplane began to drift to the right. He attempted to increase airspeed by lowering pitch, but the gyroplane landed hard and rolled over onto its side. A witness reported seeing the gyroplane in a steep ascent after lift off before it entered a descending right turn. A post accident examination did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the gyroplane. The pilot reported that he had been receiving instruction toward a pilot certificate but had not obtained a student pilot certificate. He further noted that, although he had a pilot-rated passenger onboard, he was still acting as pilot-in-command and was flying the gyroplane when the accident occurred.

28th May 2011 - near Norrtälje, Sweden - SE-VRA - ELA-07R Cougar - fatal accident, pilot and passenger both killed. The gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off into a wooded area and burst into flames. The accident was investigated by the Swedish KSAK.

Honeybee

30th May 2012 - Pinconning, Michigan, USA - Honeybee G2 ultralight gyro  - Fatal - apparently the second flight of a newly built ultralight gyrocopter. Ultralight gyrocopters are unregistered with the FAA and this accident is unlikely to be investigated by the FAA or NTSB.

Magni

12th May 2023 - Lake Macquarie airport, New South Wales, Australia - Magni M16 - G-1850 - The ATSB is now investigating this accident - their initial summary says "The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving a Magni M16C Tandem gyroplane, registered G1850, at Lake Macquarie Airport, New South Wales, on 12 May 2023. A Magni M16C Tandem gyroplane, with an instructor pilot and student pilot on-board, commenced take-off from runway 07. As the gyroplane became airborne, the instructor pilot saw an Extra EA 300L aircraft, registered VH-IOG, with a pilot and passenger on-board, backtracking towards them on runway 07. The instructor pilot took evasive action to avoid a collision, and the gyroplane subsequently collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage. The instructor pilot received serious injuries while the student pilot had minor injuries. The pilot and passenger on-board VH-IOG were uninjured and there was no damage to the aircraft. The evidence collection phase of the investigation will include collection of relevant information, including recorded data, weather observations, pilot and witness reports, and radio calls."" March 25th 2023 - Gainesville, Georgia, USA - Silverlight AR-1 - N47AR - Fatal Accident - News reports suggests the gyro hit powerlines and crashed killing the pilot.

31st August 2020 - Saumur airfield, Maine-et-Loire, France - Magni M24 - Dept registration 49-ABZ - Fatal accident - The gyrocopter crashed during take off at approx 7.15pm and caught fire - the pilot was killed. Local media say the pilot was in his fifties and a local wine maker. The engine was a Rotax 915iS.

20th August 2020 - New Madrid, Missouri, USA - Magni M16 - N225MG - The FAA ASIAS summary states "AIRCRAFT ON TAKEOFF EASED OVER AND LANDED HARD IN A FIELD, NEW MADRID, MO." News link to Magni M16 incident in Missouri 

10th October 2015 - Dubbo airfield, New South Wales, Australia - Magni M16 - registration unknown - the ATSB summary states "During landing, the pilot lost control and rolled the gyrocopter resulting in substantial damage. "

20th August 2013 - Fisantekraal airfield ( FAFK ), near Durbanville, South Africa - Magni M16 Tandem Trainer - ZU-CVH - the gyrocopter crashed and rolled over during take off causing minor injuries to the pilot and passenger.

4th August 2012 - Luino, Lake Maggiore Italy - I-8323 - Magni M16 - the gyrocopter landed in the lake close to the shore.  A photo shows the gyro in the water with damaged rotorblades.

2nd March 2012 - Cark, Cumbria, UK - G-ORDW - Magni M24C  - The pilot attempted to execute a go-around from just above the runway. The gyroplane rolled to the right on application of right rudder and full power, and the right main wheel contacted the ground. The aircraft rolled over, coming to rest on the runway on its right side. The pilot and his passenger escaped serious injury.

28th April 2011 - near Old Sarum airfield, Wiltshire, England, UK - G-CGTI - Magni M24C Orion - fatal accident. The UK AAIB sumary reads,

3rd February 2011 - Rufforth airfield, Yorkshire, England, UK - G-CGRT - Magni M24C Orion -

1st October 2008 - Montelimar, Dept 26, France - 26-XF - Magni M22 - The gyrocopter and a microlight aircraft collided in middair in uncontrolled airspace. Both aircraft had departed from the airfield at Montelimar within a few minutes of each other. The Magni M22 was able to make an emergency landing back at Montelimar, the microlight aircraft crashed killing the pilot. Examination of the gyro showed that the main rotor blade had struck the rear of the microlight.

RAF 2000

31st May 2013 - Avontuur private airstrip - South Africa - RAFSA 2000 GTX SE FI - ZU-RHO - the RAF 2000 gyrocopter lost directional control during take off due to a sudden cross wind and veered off the runway and nosed over in the process

26th May 2013 - near Nieuwoudtsville, South Africa - RAF 2000 GTX SE FI - ZU-DTD - fatal accident. The aircraft was en route with another gyrocopter heading to Loeriesfontein at approx 1,500 ft. Radio communication between the two gyrocopters was poor becoming unreadable. The lead gyrocopter turned to view the second gyro but couldn't see it. A return along the path of flight found no trace of the second gyrocopter. The crash site was located by ground vehicles. The South African CAA are investigating the accident. The deceased pilot has been named locally as George Joubert.

14th December 2012 - Feilding airfield, New Zealand - RAF 2000 GTX - ZK-RCG - a summary from the NZ CAA says  - The gyrocopter rolled over while taxiing over rutted ground damaging the rotors, propeller and rotor mast.

14th August 2012 - near Canterbury, Kent, UK - G-ONON - RAF 2000 GTX-SE - gyro engine Subaru EJ22 lost power on take off - forced hard landing.   UPDATE this gyrocopter was cancelled from the UK CAA register in Sept 2014.

27th November 2009 - Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa - ZU-RBN - RAF 2000 GTX SE FI c/n M2-11-06-08-008 - the SA CAA brief summary states "The gyrocopter rotated too early on take off, sunk back and rolled over to the right"

9th October 2008 - Gillingham, near Henstridge, Dorset, England, UK  - RAF 2000 GTS-SE - G-CBCJ - Fatal accident - pilot Brian Errington -Weddle. The report says "The crash was the result of instability but it was not clear why the aircraft had become unstable"  - and -  "During a descent at close to the never-exceed speed (VNE) the gyroplane rotor struck the aircraft’s propeller and rudder. An in-flight break up ensued and, during the impact that followed, the pilot received fatal injuries. No pre-existing defects on the aircraft were identified. more on the news link below"

1st June 2006 - near Bodmin airfield, Cornwall, England, UK - G-REBA - RAF 2000 GTX-SE - fatal accident. The UK AAIB summary states

27th March 2000 - Perkins Field airports, Overton, Nevada, USA - RAF 2000 GTX SE, N60739 - fatal accident - part of the NTSB report reads,

19th November 1998 - Feilding airfield, New Zealand - RAF 2000 GTX  -  ZK-RCG - the official New Zealand CAA report states  - "While on approach to Feilding Aerodrome, the pilot became unhappy with his approach profile and applied go-around power. The nose of the aircraft pitched up further than the pilot anticipated, resulting in a reduction in airspeed, which caused the aircraft to sink on to the ground and touch down on its left main wheel. The rotor blades then struck the ground and the aircraft rolled on to its left side."

6th June 1998 - Kindersley, Saskatchewan, Canada - Middair collission between two RAF 2000 GT gyrocopters - fatal. A summary of the official report states, "The two aircraft went overdue from a local VFR flight north of Kindersley airport, Sask. The wreckage of the two gyrocopters was eventually located about 7 NM north of the airport by a farmer. The two aircraft collided in the air and crashed into a field. One aircraft had one pilot and one passenger (a professional photographer) on board while the other aircraft had one pilot on board. All were fatally injured. There is evidence to confirm that the rotor systems intermeshed while in flight, causing rotor break up."

SparrowHawk

25th June 2016 - Lubbock Executive airport, Texas, USA - Groen SparrowHawk II - N130SW - the gyrocopter is believed to have hit trees after leaving the runway following a blown tyre during landing at Lubbock Executive airport.

10th November 2013 - Lubbuck airport, Texas, USA - Groen Sparrowhawk II - N130SW - the gyrocopter suffered a landing accident.

4th February 2013 - Montrose, Georgia, GA, USA - SparrowHawk - N4201S - The pilot and student were flying a night training flight at approx 06.45 when an engine problem ( Subaru )  caused an emergency forced landing during which the rotors hit power lines. The pilot Steve McCowan and student survived the accident with minor injuries.

7th September 2012 - Spanish Fork, Utah, USA - Sparrow Hawk gyro - N51140 - the Sparrowhawk gyrocopter rolled over during an aborted take off by the pilot who was on his first gyro solo flight.

15th October 2011 - Blair, Nebraska, NE, USA - N29HT - Sparrow Hawk - minor injury to the pilot. The NTSB report states, "During the takeoff roll, the nosewheel experienced a shimmy, and the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The Sparrowhawk gyrocopter rolled onto its left side, exited the side of the runway, and came to rest in the grass. During the rollover, the main rotor mast sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination of the gyrocopter revealed a loose bolt in the nose gear steering linkage, which allowed the nosewheel to shimmy. The pilot, who was also the builder, was testing the newly built gyrocopter."

Sport-Copter

12th February 2016 - Alco Park, Brewton, Alabama - Sport Copter Vortex M912 - N911GW - The Sportcopter Vortex gyro owned by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office crashed during a search operation for a missing person. The Vortex is said to have hit tree tops whilst searching before crashing onto a wooded slope.

31st August 2013 - Scappoose Airpark, Scappoose, Oregon, USA - Sport Copter Vortex - N43259 - Fatal accident. The pilot is said to have been undertaking training along the runway at the airfield before gaining some height and flying beyond the airfield perimeter. Control was lost and the gyrocopter crashed nearby killing the pilot. Local media have named the pilot as Jim LaFayette.

23rd December 2012 - Wellton, Yuma, Arizona, USA - N618TC Sportcopter Vortex c/n 020 - Fatal accident pilot Doug Goodman - NTSB investigating.

21st February 2004 - Yuba City, California, USA - Sport Copter Vortex - N96XV - Fatal accident - the NTSB summary reports, "The gyrocopter collided with the ground in an uncontrolled descent following a loss of engine power. This was the second test flight for the gyrocopter. A witness reported that the gyrocopter flew overhead at 50 feet, with the engine sputtering. It then entered a steep descent and impacted a dry riverbed about 45 yards away. At the wreckage site, approximately 1/2 tank of fuel was present. No fuel was found in either of the two carburetors. The blades of the pusher propeller, made of carbon fiber and foam filled, were displaced from the gyrocopter and displayed cracks on the surfaces, but were otherwise intact. The main rotor was bent downward and had impacted the gear ring on the main drive shaft. The Rotax 582 engine contained oil and was rotated. The tachometer time indicated a total engine operation time of 12.2 hours. Post accident inspection of the gyrocopter revealed that a vacuum line to the pneumatic fuel pump, which is made of a soft and easily collapsible nylon reinforced vinyl material, was kinked at a 45-degree angle at its attachment fitting. The pilot had a total gyrocopter flight time of 11 hours and this was the second test flight for this gyrocopter."

Star Bee

3rd May 2013 - near Mettetal airport, Canton, Michigan, MI, USA  - Gyrobee gyrocopter - emergency landing onto a road near the airport  - local news report says "The one-person aircraft had just taken off from Mettetal Airport in Canton Township when it landed on Ann Arbor Trail near Butternut Avenue, which is just west of I-275, around 1 p.m., officials said.Police Chief Tom Tiderington said the male pilot avoided hitting any vehicles on the road, and the gyrocopter was quickly moved to the side of the road. Ann Arbor Trail did not have to be closed to traffic, the chief said." - the pilot suggests the incident was caused by an engine out with the HKS-700 engine. 

8th June 2012 - Wrens, Georgia, USA - N1481 - Dogbee gyro - Fatal accident - the experimental amateur built gyrocopter ( Gyrobee derivative ) impacted the ground after flying at approx 70 feet above fields near power lines. The NTSB report states "Before reaching the power lines, the gyroplane made a steep, 180-degree left turn and impacted the ground. The witness stated that the gyroplane appeared to be "almost on its side" as it turned - 1 fatality pilot Chris Bowen.

17th May 2006 - Oklahoma, USA - unregistered ultralight - Gyro Bee - fatal accident killing the pilot Alan Coates. The GyroBee crashed nose first over the airfield, some suggestions that engine failure may have been involved. As the ultralight gyrocopter was unregistered ( ie had no "N" number issued by the FAA ) there is no NTSB report. 

Trixy

29th May 2013 - Senozet airport, Slovenia - Trixy G4-2 - S5-JPR - Fatal  - the Trixy gyrocopter      ( Žirokopter ) crashed at the airfield at Senozet killing the 37 year old pilot. One eye witness has suggested that the gyrocopter failed to recover from an impromptu enthusiastic aerial display.

8th March 2013 - between Leidringen and Dautmergen, Germany - Trixy G4-2R - D-MIXR - c/n 016 - Fatal accident - the gyrocopter crashed into a densely wooded hillside killing the pilot approx 2,200ft AMSL. The wrecked airframe appears to be substantially complete and did not burst into flames upon impact. The Trixy G4-2R is a new gyro design and gained German Type Certification in 2012. This Trixy G4 gyro was delivered new to the pilot in November 2012. At the time of the accident this Trixy had flown just 3 flight hours. The deceased pilot has been named in local media reports as Markus Friedrich.

16th December 2012 - near Bad Durkheim, Germany - Trixy G4-2R - D-MDGS - werk 002 - the gyrocopter made an emergency landing into a vineyard after a possible engine failure. The pilot was uninjured but the gyrocopter is believed to be written off.  Mid winter was carburettor icing an issue?

Xenon

28th November 2015 - USA  - Celier Aviation Xenon IV - N803KT - During the first initial post assembly test flight the gyrocopter experienced an engine failure after overheating during flight resulting in an unscheduled landing.

4th October 2014 - Colorado River, Fruita, near Loma, Colorado, USA - Celier Aviation Xenon - N719MB - Fatal accident. The gyrocopter is believed to have hit power lines above the Colorado River - the local power company reported power blackouts in the area. The Xenon gyrocopter fell into the River Colorado killing both the pilot and the passenger. A news photo shows an inverted Xenon in the river. Local fisherman tried to assist at the scene. The gyrocopter had departed from Grand Junction airport. Local media name the occupants as pilot Mark Shook and passenger Rebecca Molle.

6th January 2014 - Hughenden, Queensland, Australia - Celier Aviation Xenon - During the approach to Hughenden aerodrome in Queensland, the Xenon gyrocopter lost speed and subsequently collided with trees. The aircraft was substantially damaged.

13th July 2013 - near Wietmarshen, Lower Saxony, Germany - D-MANL - Celier Aviation Xenon G2 - the pilot of the gyrocopter reported a loud bang whilst in flight, a loss of control and made a successful emergency landing beside a narrow forest track. The pilot escaped with minor injuries. This Xenon was delivered new in June 2013 one of a small batch of three Xenon G2 built by the new Celier Aviation ( 2012 ) and had flown 9 flight hours at the time of the accident.

24th October 2012 - Tauranga Bay, New Zealand - ZK-XEN - Celier Aviation Xenon  - The gyrocopter lost power at 150m shortly after take-off from Tauranga Airport and ditched into shallow sea water 200m off shore. The two on board were able to wade ashore.  This is the second gyro to ditch at this location in 2012.  The Xenon gyrocopter is under re-build in 2013.

31st March 2011 - Krugersdorp, Gauteng, South Africa - Celier Aviation Xenon  - ZU-EXU - the Xenon gyrocopter crashed during take off just after the nose lifted, veered left and rolled over several times. The gyrocopter was destroyed. The official SA CAA accident report concludes "The pilot performed a tail wind take off and the aircraft rolled to the left rendering ground impact inevitable" 

20th July 2010 - near Bayreuth, Germany - Celier Aviation Xenon - D-MDWR - the gyrocopter hit a bird during flight causing damage to the propeller. The pilot made a successful emergency landing onto a grass field near Bayreuth.

Other

17th December 2020 - Near Hosea Kutako airport, Windhoek, Namibia - unknown gyrocopter type - unknown registration - Fatal - The passenger was killed and the pilot was badly injured. A news photo shows a blazing wreck on a road.  An investigator said “For now what I can say is that it looks like the plane was flying too low and flew into a power line. We are working to establish why the pilot was flying so low. There was a power outage and NamPower is working on it".Update - The pilot died of his injuries in hospital a few days after the accident. 

16th December 2020 - Near Heber Valley airport, Utah, USA - Silverlight AR-1C American Ranger convertible - N261MD - Fatal - The AR-1 gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off near the US 189 road ending up in a gully - the 76 year old pilot was killed. This was a recent new build with serial #48 and is the second fatal AR-1 accident this week.   

6th June 2015 - Maple Plain airport, Independence, Minnesota, USA - Bensen B8M - N2436 - the vintage gyrocopter crashed into a bean field near the perimeter of the airfield. The 73 year old pilot was able to walk away with minor injuries.

1st May 2015 - Near Ravenna , Muskgeon County, Michigan, USA - Bensen B8M - N5606X - the Bensen gyrocopter crashed at approx 12.30pm after taking off from Jenison Riverview airport an hour earlier. A witness said she heard the engine cut out, The gyrocopter appears to have hit  low wires and crashed in a dry ditch beside road. The pilot suffered a broken leg and other injuries. Local media name the pilot as 68 year old Steven Lathrop

26th April 2015 - Balatonfokajar, Hungary -Apollo AG-1 - OM-M509 - The gyrocopter crashed during take off. The Hungarian KBSZ report states "The aircraft dropped from a height of about two metres  during take off and rolled on its side. The pilot broke his hand and was transported to hospital" The damage to the Apollo gyrocopter is listed as substantial.

22nd May 2014 - Bremgarten airfield, Germany - unknown gyro type - D-M........  - The student pilot had completed a solo flight and landed. With the engine still running wires from the headphones are said to have got caught on controls that caused the gyro to accelerate and then roll over. The pilot was unhurt. The gyro suffered major damage.

16th November 2013 - Chambers County airport, Anahuac, Texas - Dragonfly - N975DF - Fatal accident. The rotorhead and blades separated from the single seat gyrocopter whilst being flown at a height of approx 200 feet over Anahuac airfield. The gyrocopter crashed into an adjacent field and caught fire. The pilot was killed.

20th October 2013 - Festus airport, Missouri, USA - Parsons two seater - N7064U - The gyrocopter is said to have crashed at the airport from a height of approx 20 feet up with a pilot and a passenger on board. One had to be rescued from the wreckage by emergency services and is now in hospital with back injuries. 

1st October 2013 - Trith-Saint-Leger near Valenciennes, France - Guepard II XJ01 gyrocopter - registration unknown - the gyrocopter crashed onto the roof of a building in the town centre - local media suggest that the engine had failed. The pilot received multiple fractures and cuts and was taken to hospital.

11th September 2013 - La Aldea de San Nicolás, El Pinillo, Gran Canaria, Spain  - Airbet Girabet II Sport - EC-GC1 -  Fatal accident -  the gyrocopter crashed shortly after take off hiting a building and burst into flames. The pilot was killed and the female passenger suffered multiple burns.

8th July 2013 - Monastir-Pin-Mories, Lozere, Dept 48, France - gyro type unknown - Fatal accident the gyrocopter hit power lines and crashed to the ground killing the pilot and the passenger.

10th September 2012 - Lansing, Illinois - N717EW -  Wiggins Air Boss ( Rotorhawk Falcon ) gyro - Fatal accident  - the newly built experimental gyro received its certificate of airworthiness on 5th September 2012 - the pilot had a mere 2 hours gyrocopter experience.  The NTSB accident report states "The pilot reportedly had not flown in over 20 years before receiving 1.8 hours of familiarization training in a two-seat gyroplane in May 2012. There was no record that the pilot had received any additional flight training in gyroplanes subsequent to the two familiarization flights." New gyro pilot in a newly home built gyro. 1 fatality.

24th July 2012 - Bokovo near Irkutsk, Russia - registration unknown - Irkut A-002M - the gyro crashed into swampy ground and came to rest on its starboard side. The pilot escaped with minor injuries.

14th February 2012 - Halfpenny Green, Wolverhampton, UK - G-CVPM - VPM M16 - rotor hit rudder and propeller tips whilst preparing to take off

2nd October 2011 - Bad Durkheim, Germany - D-M......... - gyrocopter type unknown - the gyrocopter suffered engine problems on final approach to land at the airfield - the pilot attempted to re-start the engine but ended up making a forced landing into a nearby vineyard. The pilot and passenger survived the landing.  Note that a similar accident occurred at Bad Durkheim in December 2012 ( scroll upwards )  

4th January 2011 - Omaha Flats, New Zealand - Ken Brock KB-3 - ZK-RBL - the NZ CAA accident report states "The gyrocopter lost power shortly after takeoff. An attempt was made to turn back to the airfield, however the gyrocopter landed heavily in the adjacent estuary."

15th February 2010 - near Sarriac-Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees,  France - registration unknown - type unknown - the two seat gyro crashed during final approach to landing from a height of approx 100m - the pilot and passenger were both taken to hospital with injuries.

12th November 2009 - near Hawera airfield, New Zealand - UFO HeliThruster gyro ZK-RAZ - Fatal accident two killed, Steven Chubb and Neville Adlam. The official report ( see link below ) includes a Conclusion page which raises a number of concerns.

11th October 2009 - Little Rissington airfield, Gloucestershire, England, UK - Fatal accident whilst doing circuits

13th June 2007 - Saint-Vincent-les-Forts, Dept 04, France - 06-ZH - Blandine gyrocopter - fatal accident  - the gyro hit the tree covered side of a mountain, the pilot was killed.  Examination of the wreckage was unable to determine the cause of the accident.

15th April 2007 - Onamalutu Valley, New Zealand - Rosco Bruty Gyrocopter - ZK-REJ - the NZ CAA report states "After experiencing fuel exhaustion, the gyrocopter rolled over during the ensuing forced landing - Damage substantial."

9th June 2005 - New Zealand - ZK-RDP c/n 03061 - UFO Helithruster - crashed near Tainui airfield, two on board injured.