Air Accidents Investigation Branch
It is now two years since this tragic accident and are our thoughts are with the family of the pilot. This statement provides an update on the ongoing AAIB investigation into an accident involving a Rotorsport UK Cavalon, G-CKYT, near Avoch, Inverness-shire on 12 November 2020.
Whilst on a general handling flight with a solo student pilot onboard, the gyroplane was seen to descend rapidly from an altitude of approximately 1,500 ft with the rotor head and blades separate from the fuselage. The gyroplane subsequently crashed on farmland and caught fire, with the pilot receiving fatal injuries.
The main wreckage was largely destroyed in the fire, but analysis of the remaining evidence has been possible. The investigation is focused on understanding the circumstances which led to the rotor head separating in flight.
Analysis of recorded data from the accident is now complete. Further testing of the rotor head is ongoing. Once this testing has been carried out and the necessary analysis completed, the AAIB will publish its investig