Accident to the Magni M16 identified 21AGP on 02/03/2022 at Vaux-Saules

During a local flight, the fixed connection between the rotor position control linkage and the rotor was lost due to the rupture of both ends of the bolt and one end of the pin making the connection.

It was not possible to establish the reason for, or sequence of, the ruptures of these ends. It is possible that one of the ends of these parts ruptured before the flight.

The fourth end remained in place and cut the tube in which it was fitted. This cut allowed the control fork to rotate with respect to the rotor. This displacement resulted in the notched gear making contact with the fork, which led to a rupture in the fork.

As a result of this rupture, movement was unrestricted in the rotor plane, causing a rotor blade to come into contact with the right front section of the cockpit. The pilot’s physical integrity was also affected by the impact.

It was not possible to determine how long this sequence of ruptures lasted, nor whether the pilot had enough time to detect a malfunction.

It was not possible to rule out the possibility of an initial rupture under load in connection with a sudden manoeuvre, for example an evasive manoeuvre linked to a bird hazard or in the event of the pilot suffering a fainting episode beforehand.