Fatal - Trendak Tercel ZEN1 OM-M393, Nasielsk, Chrcynno, Poland 19 NOV 2019

[TyroGyro]

Accident Aviation Artur Trendak Tercel OM-M393,

Crashed and burned during training flight During the investigation, PKBWL determined that the cause of the accident was the inflight separation of one of the gyroplane main rotor blades....

aviation-safety.net

Instructional flight. 2 deceased

FINAL REPORT:

http://pkbwl.gov.pl/images/raporty/2019_5260_FR_ENG%20_annex.pdf

[official English translation]

"Rotor separated in flight,

1) Operation of the main rotor blades having long unknown operation time;
2) Incorrect maintenance of the gyroplane;
3) No pre-flight inspection on the day of the accident;
4) The design of the rotor blade connector, which contributed to the concentration of stresses inside the assembly part of the blades, which has an adverse impact on the fatigue durability of the main rotor blades and, in case of errors in the maintenance of the rotor, accelerates the destruction of the blade internal structure."

Sincere condolences to all affected by this tragedy.

 

[Abid]

Well given that he started with a set of blades at 1710 hours, I think these may have been well past their 2000 hour lifecycle.
I knew the pilot from long ago. He was a trike champion, a composite business owner and gyroplane champion as well. Reading the report it sounds like the aircraft was used fairly hard. It also looks like the inconsistency in torque on the blade that broke on the connector bolts compared to the other was fairly big. Not having correct clamping force could have easily started fatigue cracking

 

[Tyger]

What's the meaning, in this context, of "a champion"?

 

[TyroGyro]

What's the meaning, in this context, of "a champion"?

an aviation competition prize-winner?