Beresford, Samuel John

21y · Male·severe head and upper body injuries, due to, or as a consequence of being struck by the propeller blades of a gyroplane

Samuel John Beresford, a 21-year-old, died on 17 March 2011 after being struck by propeller blades of a gyroplane on 9 March 2011. He attempted to start the unregistered gyroplane from outside the cockpit at his parents' property. The engine went to high revolutions, the aircraft moved forward uncontrollably, and the propeller struck his head and upper body. Key contributing factors included: inadequate pre-flight inspection after road transport, engine starting at high RPM (cause uncertain—possibly faulty throttle system or magneto switches), lack of aircraft securing measures (no chocks, brakes, or tethering), unregistered gyroplane, absent pilot certification, and deficient flight instruction from the seller Campbell Taylor who did not maintain proper records, did not follow formal training syllabi, and was himself not current. The coroner found no evidence the aircraft was in inherently unsafe condition, though magneto switches may have been intermittent due to age or transport vibration. Clinical/mechanical lessons: proper pre-flight procedures and aircraft security are critical; unregistered, unserviced aircraft and inadequately trained instructors pose serious risks.