# NTSB FTW89LA056: Mcculloch J-2, N4381G, Orange, TX, February 23, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 23, 1989, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Orange, TX
- Coordinates: 30.099908, -93.749542 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0999&lon=-93.7495&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22838
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA056
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22838/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA056

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN ROTOR RPM DUE TO A LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE DATA AND PROCEDURES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
  - rotor rpm - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT PROVIDED NO EVIDENCE OF A GYROPLANE ENDORSEMENT AND WAS UNABLE TO EXPRESS A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF THE AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS OR OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON A DOWNWIND DEPARTURE WHEN IT MADE AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT TO THE GROUND. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE PROPELLER 'JUST STOPPED PUSHING.' THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4381G (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MCCULLOCH J-2
- Category: Gyroplane
- Serial number: 091
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles Daniel Dearing, Jr.
- Departed: ORG, ORANGE, TX
- Destination: ORG
- Airport: ORG, Orange County, runway 3, 3,800 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, invalid medical for flight

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 11 knots, gusting 19
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 16 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BPT, 13 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 19890223002459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890223002459A), Feb 23, 1989: Aerors J2MCCULH, Orange, TX, Substantial damage. Nosed into ground on downwind leg. Rolled on impact. Not endorsed for gyroplanes.

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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