# NTSB CHI89FA114: Mcculloch J-2, N4354G, Oxford, OH, June 17, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1989, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Oxford, OH
- Coordinates: 39.500553, -84.739479 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5006&lon=-84.7395&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14257
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI89FA114
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14257/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89FA114

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT OPERATOR TO REPLACE THE MAIN ROTOR THRUST BEARING. THE EXPIRED SERVICE LIFE OF THE MAIN ROTOR THRUST BEARING IS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - rotor drive system,freewheeling unit(other) - seized
  - rotor drive system,freewheeling unit(other) - life expired (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,replacement - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AUTOGYRO BROKE UP IN FLIGHT WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A PERSONAL FLIGHT. WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT REPORTED SEEING THE ROTOR BLADES SLOW AND FOLD UP AS THE AUTOGYRO FLEW SLOWLY OVER A LAKE. ONE ROTOR BLADE WAS SEEN TO SEPARATE FROM THE ROTORHEAD AND FALL SOME DISTANCE FROM THE REST OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE AUTOGYRO THEN CRASHED INTO THE LAKE. INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE SHOWED THAT THE MAIN ROTOR MAST THRUST BEARING WAS GALLED AND HAD SEIZED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4354G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4354G-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 064, built 1971 (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: 064
- Airframe hours: 312
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert Wahn
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 6, 1988, 60 hours before
- Departed: 35M, SHELBYVILLE, IN
- Destination: MWO, MIDDLETOWN, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 229 total, 30 in this make and model, 7 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAY, 30 nm away

## 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 19890617015899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890617015899A), Jun 17, 1989: Aerors J2MCCULH, Oxford, OH, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Rotors seen to slow and come upward. One blade separated. Gyrocopter fell in lake. Main rotor thrust bearing failed

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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