Accident to the experimental autogyro MTOsport, registration LY-MTQ

2023-05-26
A-23/05
Bistrampolis Manor, Kučiai village, Panevėžys district, Lithuania

On 26 May 2023 at 13.48 hrs the experimental gyrocopter MTOsport, registration marks LY-MTQ, piloted by a citizen of the Republic of Lithuania, took off from the Rojūnai aerodrome for the route flight. On the last leg of the route towards Rojūnai aerodrome, while flying past Bistrampolis manor at low altitude, the gyroplane hit trees growing in the park and crashed in the park territory. The pilot was fatally injured. The gyrocopter was destroyed.

The accident was caused by a loss of control of the gyroplane's flight path during a low-altitude maneuver (being in the avoided area of the height/velocity diagram), that was not required for normal flight. A contributing factor to the loss of control was the downwind turn, which resulted in a significant reduction in rotor lift. Although maximum engine thrust was applied at the last moment, there was insufficient time and altitude to recover to normal flight attitude.

In accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No 996/2010, the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (Die Bundesstelle für Flugunfalluntersuchung) as a state of design and manufacture of the gyrocopter appointed an accredited representative.

In accordance with Art. 8 of Regulation (EU) No. 996/2010, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency appointed a technical advisor for the safety investigation.

Status of safety investigation:
2023-05-26 Notification received
2023-05-26 Started safety investigation
2024-08-29 External consultation
2025-04-09 Safety investigation report