Rotor head separated from gyrocopter before fatal crash on Black Isle
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A gyrocopter's rotor head and blades were seen to 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 and caught fire in a field near Avoch on November 12, 2020.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which is investigating the incident, has published an update on its inquiry which states the light aircraft was spotted descending from an altitude of 1500ft.
Mr Nichol, who was aged 67 and described as a student pilot, 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 ongoing, 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.
Four fire appliances, as well as two ambulances, were sent to the scene.
A statement from Mr Nichol's family, which was issued shortly after the tragedy, said that flying had given him a sense of freedom and adventure.
It added: "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."
