Aviation safety investigations & reports
Air Command Gyrocopter, Toorbul QLD, 11 March 1990
199003135

Summary
Some months prior to the accident the pilot had begun learning to fly ultralight aircraft. Around this time he also began to have spells where he was able to see and hear people but could not move or talk to them. His instructor recommended that he stop flying and complete medical tests. The pilot later purchased and assembled a gyrocopter. Over a two month period he learned to fly the craft. On the morning of the accident he asked a more experienced gyrocopter pilot to fly his machine and check its characteristics. The other pilot found that it was quite satisfactory. Those who had observed the pilot flying previously considered that he had no problems in controlling the aircraft. The gyrocopter was observed on final approach but it then disappeared for a short time, having flown an orbit to the left. After adopting a final approach for the second time the gyro flew towards the strip at about 50 knots. A witness observed the craft roll to the left from a height of about 30 feet. The gyrocopter impacted the ground in a left bank of about 130 degrees. No evidence of pre-impact failure of the aircraft was found.
General details
Date: | 11 March 1990 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 1100 | ||||
Location: | Toorbul | ||||
State: | Queensland | Occurrence type: | Loss of control | ||
Release date: | 13 December 1990 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | Fatal |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Unknown | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | Air Command Gyrocopter | |
Serial number | QG899 | |
Type of operation | Sports Aviation | |
Damage to aircraft | Substantial | |
Departure point | Toorbul QLD | |
Departure time | 1055 | |
Destination | Toorbul QLD |