Rotor head separated from gyrocopter before fatal crash in a field near Avoch on the Black Isle in Easter Ross according to update issued by Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)
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A gyrocopter was seen falling quickly with its rotor head and blades separate from the rest of the aircraft moments before a fatal crash on the Black Isle last year, it has been revealed.
Paul Nichol, from Balloch near Inverness, died when his light aircraft crashed in a field near Avoch on November 12, 2020.
Investigators are probing what led to the rotor head of the 67-year-old's gyrocopter, which caught fire after the crash, to separate while in flight.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has published an update on its inquiry which said the light aircraft was spotted descending from an altitude of 457m (1,500ft).
Mr Nichol was described as a student pilot and was flying solo at the time of the incident.
The AAIB said: "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."
The alarm was raised around 12.55pm on the day of the crash and four fire appliances, as well as two ambulances, were sent to the scene.
In a statement from his family, which was issued shortly after the tragedy, they said flying gave him a sense of freedom and adventure.
They said: “Words can’t express how much I’ll miss him, as will all his family, friends and past work colleagues.
“Nothing will ever get close to explaining the depth of pain and sadness we all feel.”
