Turbulence caused by air flowing over an airport hangar is believed to have caused a gyrocopter to overturn shortly after landing at Bembridge Airport.
The incident occurred on 5th August, when a Magni M24C gyrocopter, registration G-IROX, flipped over on the runway at around 12:10, prompting a significant emergency response.
As previously reported by Island Echo, witnesses heard a loud bang before looking towards the runway and seeing the aircraft upside down.
The pilot escaped with only minor injuries, despite the gyrocopter suffering substantial damage.
Now, findings released by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have revealed that the aircraft was affected by turbulence after landing, causing it to tip onto its side.
Investigators say the likely source of the turbulence was ‘curlover’ from a nearby hangar, which affects the threshold landing area of Runway 30 under certain wind conditions.
The AAIB has confirmed that the aircraft’s tail, propeller and rotor were all substantially damaged in the incident.
The incident was referred to the AAIB by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary following the emergency response.
The AAIB has now classified the incident as a ‘record-only’ investigation, rather than carrying out a full investigation.
