Rotorsport UK Cavalon, G-CKYT, anniversary statement

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. Tests on the rotor head are on-going, along with analysis of the limited amount of data which has been recovered from a GPS unit mounted in the aircraft.

Once the investigation has been completed, the AAIB will publish its investigation findings in a final report.