A 52-year-old pilot tragically died after his gyrocopter crashed into a high-tension power line and caught alight in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
A gyrocopter, also known as an autogyro, is a type of light aircraft that uses an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to generate lift and a propeller. It cannot hover or abruptly change altitude and typically flies at slower speeds.
According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), almost three gyroplane crashes each year are fatal.
The crash occurred at a rural property in Tilpa town, 191 kilometers southwest of Bourke, on June 26, 2023, NSW Police reported.
Emergency services were called but the pilot passed away at the scene of the accident.
Officers attached to the Central North Police District initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash. However, there are no suggestions at this stage that the incident was anything other than a tragic mishap.
A similar accident occurred in Maryland, United States on November 27, 2022, after a small aircraft crashed into a power line tower and resulted in a power outage affecting more than 85,000 locals. Luckily no serious injuries to the pilot were reported.
Wire strikes account for a significant number of low-flying accidents. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emphasizes that these lines may not always be readily visible and may even be virtually impossible to see under certain conditions.
The NSW Coroner’s office is expected to prepare a report following the conclusion of the investigation to be released in the coming days.