Two injured after gyroplane crashes onto tourists in China

Two tourists were seriously injured after a sightseeing gyroplane lost control and crashed onto them during a demonstration flight at a scenic area in northwest China.

The accident occurred on July 21 at the Chaka Sky No. 1 Scenic Area near the salt lake in Qinghai Province, where the yellow Harbin XLI gyroplane was taking part in a low-altitude formation flight with two other aircraft, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Sun.

Witness footage showed the aircraft descending rapidly after smoke began emerging from its rear.

As it neared the ground, the pilot appeared to attempt to regain control, but the gyroplane spun before crashing into the ground and striking two tourists who were trying to flee.

The victims were knocked to the ground and suffered serious head injuries.

Those aboard the gyroplane were not injured and immediately assisted the victims following the crash.

The injured tourists remained conscious and were taken to Ulan County People's Hospital before being transferred to a larger medical facility in Haixi Prefecture for further treatment.

“The victims were sent for medical treatment at the first opportunity. <…> Their vital signs are currently stable,” officials from the Ulan County Joint Investigation Group said.

Authorities have impounded the aircraft as investigators work to determine the cause of the accident.

Preliminary findings indicate that wake turbulence generated by another nearby gyroplane may have contributed to the pilot losing control.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov