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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 14, 2003 · Mcculloch J-2 · N4381G

Magnolia, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 14, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Magnolia, AR
Aircraft
Mcculloch J-2
Tail Number
N4381G
Operator
Virgil William Jones
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA164

The pilot stated the gyrocopter sustained substantial damage during a forced landing while he was attempting to give a ride to the passenger. The pilot emptied fuel from the right tank to adjust for the passenger's weight. After becoming airborne, the gyrocopter rolled to the right. The pilot then attempted a forced landing, during which the gyrocopter rolled approximately 10 feet then struck a drainage ditch in a grassy area off the runway. The pilot stated "This wreck could have been prevented by just saying I'm sorry but I think you weigh too much for me to give you a ride."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate weight a balance calculations and inadequate preflight planning.

Full Narrative

On June 13, 2003, at 2012 central daylight time, a McCulloch J-2 gyrocopter, N4381G, owned and piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during a forced landing at Magnolia Municipal Airport (AGO), Magnolia, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. In a written statement, the pilot stated he was attempting to give a ride to the passenger. The pilot emptied fuel from the right tank to adjust for the passenger's weight. After becoming airborne, the gyrocopter began to roll to the right. The pilot added that "full left stick would almost right the craft but it drifted to the right." The pilot then attempted a forced landing, during which the gyrocopter rolled approximately 10 feet and struck a drainage ditch in a grassy area off the runway. The pilot stated, "This wreck could have been prevented by just saying I'm sorry but I think you weigh too much for me to give you a ride." The pilot reported a total flight time of 527 hours, of which 17.5 hours were in the make and model of the accident gyrocopter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:12 CDT
Nearest AirportMagnolia Municpal Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4610 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcculloch J-2
Tail NumberN4381G
Aircraft CategoryGyro
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVirgil William Jones
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A-2-D · Reciprocating · 180

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data