Magni down

[Scorpion]

Just heard on the news a Magni went down this morning south of Townsville.
The pilot didn't survive the crash. Anyone have any more information.

Graeme

[Adrew]

It was Michael Howard From Home Hill.
Very sad news :(

Andrew

[Scorpion]

Another unfortunate tragedy. My sincerest condolences go to the family.

Graeme

[joew]

Another unfortunate tragedy. My sincerest condolences go to the family.

Graeme

Please accept my sincere condolences as well.

Joe W

[HobbyCAD]

From the Rotary Wing Forum:

Hello All, We are at the point of publishing an Airworthiness Directive in Australia for Magni gyro's. Thank you for all being patient but as you would expect we had to be sure of our facts.

The Magni is unique in a few area's of construction,one being the use of right AND left hand thread rod ends used in the control system vertical control rods.
This system is also used in some brands of helicopters.
The main reason for this design I believe is ease of adjustment.

On the recent accident gyro it was found that one of the control rods was completely dislodged from the upper and lower rod end. No evidence of damage to the threads on either the rod end or the insert was found.The control rod was found loose at the impact site.

It was obvious to the investigators that the rod had unscrewed in flight rendering the gyro uncontrollable.

Obviously once the rod ends/lock nuts were loose and with the apparent lack of any locking type compound on the threads there was nothing to stop the control rod from completely unscrewing.

This is of course different when two right hand threads are used where if the control rod does become loose it will never detach if at least half the thread of each rod end is screwed into the control rod insert.

All Magni gyro's in Australia are now grounded pending the owner fitting a positive locking device on the control rods/rod ends.

We fully appreciate the excellent safety record of this brand of gyro and admit there are extenuating circumstances with the rod ends on the aircraft that crashed.

I will publish the AD on a separate thread and we will advise the Magni factory of our findings.

In the meantime I would appreciate if anyone you know that may not read this to be informed and make the inspection of this area of their gyro a priority at preflight.

Thanks,
Murray Barker,
Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association.

[rotor]

Gee, I don't know how I missed this ...

This is really sad news isn't it! :no:

My sincere condolences to Michael's family and friends.


rotor

[bones]

Guys/Gals,

HOWARD, Michael Arpad. (Gyrocoptor Enthusiast).
Late of Home Hill. Passed away suddenly on Friday
20th February, 2009. Beloved Husband of Linda.
Family and Friends of MICHAEL are respectfully invited
to attend his FUNERAL SERVICE which will
commence at 11.00 a.m. THIS SATURDAY 28th
FEBRUARY, 2009 at the Woongarra Crematorium,
Bruce Highway, Townsville.
To celebrate MICHAELS Life, there will be an informal
luncheon at 101 Thirteenth Avenue, Home Hill
commencing from 1.30 p.m. onwards.



Just incase some local members wished to attend.