# NTSB ATL85LA205: McCulloch J-2, N4374G, Union City, TN, April 21, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 21, 1985, 15:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Union City, TN
- Coordinates: 36.419872, -89.049545 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4199&lon=-89.0495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6823
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA205
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6823/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA205

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - roll/run
  - cyclic - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - lift-off - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Propeller/rotor contact to person, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

PILOT WITH 7900 TOTAL HOURS AND FOUR HOURS IN GYOPLANE WAS ON SOLO CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLIGHT. DURING TAKEOFF AT ENROUTE STOP ROTOR BLADES STRUCK VERTICAL STABILIZER. PILOTS INSTRUCTOR SAID WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE GYROPLANE WAS ROTATED ABRUPTLY DURING TAKEOFF RESULTING IN ROTORBLADES STRIKING THE VERTICAL STABILIZER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4374G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4374G-2012-06-07), registration cancelled 2012-06-07, S/N 084, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: McCulloch J-2
- Registry model: [Mcculloch J-2](https://openairdocs.org/model/mcculloch-j-2) (registry code 5500604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Gyroplane
- Serial number: 084
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A2D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ada Aircraft Museum
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: UCY, UNION CITY, TN
- Destination: PAH, PADUCAH, KY
- Airport: UCY, Everett-Stewart Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 7,935 total, 4 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850421036929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850421036929A), Apr 21, 1985: Aerors J2MCCULH, Union City, TN, Substantial damage. Student jerked aircraft off the ground causing rotor blades to strike vertical stabilizer.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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