# NTSB SEA90LA012: McCulloch J-2, N4379G, Scappoose, OR, November 10, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 10, 1989, 12:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Scappoose, OR
- Coordinates: 45.799549, -122.970542 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.7995&lon=-122.9705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41144
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA012
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41144/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA012

## Probable cause

DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION BY THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND FAILURE OF THE STUDENT TO RELINGUISH CONTROL. FACTORS INCLUDE INADEQUATE AIRSPEED AND AN EXCESSIVE DESCENT RATE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - proper descent rate - exceeded, dual student (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A LOCAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT, THE STUDENT PILOT ALLOWED THE GYROPLANE'S AIRSPEED TO GET TOO LOW DURING A SIMULATED EMERGENCY LANDING. AS A RESULT, THE GYROPLANE'S SINK RATE WAS TOO HIGH. THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR TOOK OVER AND ATTEMPTED TO INCREASE POWER, HOWEVER, SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED WAS NOT ATTAINED BEFORE A HARD LANDING WAS MADE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4379G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4379G), registered now, S/N 089, 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: 089
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: James A. Vanek
- Airport: 1S4, Scappoose

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 5,085 total, 89 in this make and model, 4,971 as pilot in command, 99 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19891110044829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891110044829A), Nov 10, 1989: Aerors J2MCCULH, Scappoose, OR, Substantial damage. Too slow and high sink rate on simulated forced landing. CFI tried to increase power but student froze on throttle.

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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