# NTSB investigations: Propeller assembly

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ANC25LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC25LA028.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Royal Kunia, HI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 27, 2025 · N261FC · Substantial damage
  > Improper alteration of the crankshaft propeller flange at an unknown time, which resulted in an in-flight separation of the propeller assembly.
- [NTSB ERA24LA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA332.md): Bucker Jungmann C.A.S.A. 1.131 · Red Hook, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 28, 2024 · N1041U · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The Great Lakes pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the Bucker Jungmann while maneuvering during an air show, which resulted in a midair collision, the inability of the Bucker Jungmann to maintain altitude, and its subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB WPR24LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA260.md): Kitfox Series V · La Grande, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2024 · N53562 · Substantial damage
  > Separation of the propeller blades from progressive damage at the blade roots due to overtightening of the hub bolts.
- [NTSB WPR24FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA053.md): Beauchamp Norm Kitfox · Eloy, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 8, 2023 · N66180 · Destroyed
  > The separation of a propeller blade during the initial climb due to insufficient blade retention forces. Contributing to the accident was the propeller blade retention design, manufacturing defects that prevented the propeller from achieving adequate grip…
- [NTSB WPR23LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA149.md): Stevens Kelly C RV-7 · Morgan, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 9, 2023 · N17NK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot/builder improperly torqued the propeller attachment bolts while reinstalling the propeller, which resulted in the fatigue failure of the bolts and the separation of the propeller assembly.
- [NTSB ERA21LA289](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA289.md): Piper PA-23 · Easton, MD · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 15, 2021 · N776MC · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of left engine power and uncommanded feathering of the left propeller for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB ERA21LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA223.md): Zenith Zodiac 601 XL · McKenzie, TN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2021 · N493TG · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation and inspection of the propeller, which resulted in an in-flight separation of the propeller assembly.
- [NTSB CEN18LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA117.md): Black Donald Cozy III · Los Lunas, NM · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2018 · N904DB · Substantial damage
  > The seizure of the propeller gearbox for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in a forced landing.
- [NTSB ANC18LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC18LA008.md): Cloud Jeffrey Ferrell Long EZ · Eufaula, AL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 2017 · N754T · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of a portion of the propeller, which subsequently penetrated the right rudder, as a result of the failure of the bond line between two of the propeller’s wood layers. Contributing to the failure of the propeller was the manufacturer’s…
- [NTSB CEN17LA333](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA333.md): Gulfstream American AA 5B · Carbondale, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2017 · N28005 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the propeller due to fatigue as a result of improper installation by unknown maintenance personnel at some point during the life of the propeller.
- [NTSB CEN17LA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA178.md): Cessna 182G · Manistee, MI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 23, 2017 · N2056R · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the airplane owner and maintenance personnel to follow the propeller manufacturer's recommend overhaul schedule, which resulted in a fatigue fracture of the propeller blade actuating pin and a loss of thrust in flight.
- [NTSB ERA15LA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA304.md): Board James A Zenith 601 HD · Danville, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2015 · N740JB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper adjustment of the propeller blade angle, which resulted in inadequate engine thrust, and his decision to continue the takeoff despite the excessively long takeoff roll.
- [NTSB WPR15LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA228.md): Hudson Zodiac CH 601 XLB · Hubbard, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 2, 2015 · N234S · Substantial damage
  > A severe propeller vibration due to the pilot's improper installation of the propeller spacer assembly, which necessitated an engine shutdown, an off-airport landing, and a collision with a sprinkler system.
- [NTSB WPR14CA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA136.md): Norman Quad City Challenger · Monroe, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 13, 2014 · N345MN · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate construction of the propeller bracket, which resulted in its failure during the initial climb and the propeller subsequently departing the airplane.
- [NTSB CEN14LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA118.md): Grumman American Avn. AA 5B · Willow Park, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 2014 · N28578 · Substantial damage
  > The improper reinstallation of the propeller assembly, which resulted in the subsequent in-flight separation of the propeller.
- [NTSB CEN13IA387](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13IA387.md): Martin Charles A Zenith Stol CH 750 · Paragould, AR · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2013 · N699TX · Minor damage
  > The improper installation of the propeller flange, which resulted in an in-flight separation of the propeller assembly.
- [NTSB WPR13LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA191.md): Ercoupe 415-C · Mesquite, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 14, 2013 · N87114 · Substantial damage
  > Separation of the propeller from the engine during initial climb due to the incorrect torque applied to the propeller hub nut during maintenance.
- [NTSB WPR13LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA184.md): Beech A36TC · Big Bear City, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2013 · N36SG · Substantial damage
  > The improper overhaul of the propeller, which resulted in the installation of an incorrect propeller actuating pin and deformation of the ferrule hole and led to the pin’s fatigue failure. Contributing to the accident was the failure of multiple owners and…
- [NTSB ERA12TA542](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12TA542.md): Ridge Lowell H Jabiru J230 · Otter Lake, NY · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Aug 16, 2012 · N365R · Substantial damage
  > A failure of an engine cylinder exhaust valve due to the buildup of lead deposits on the valve stem and fatigue cracking of the valve stem, resulting in a total loss of engine power, and the loss of the propeller. Contributing to the accident was the lack of…
- [NTSB ERA12LA500](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA500.md): Beech V35B · Effingham, SC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 2012 · N11JK · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to avoid an encounter with known adverse weather conditions, which resulted in an in-flight upset, temporary loss of control, and loading of the airframe, engine, and propeller that led to the in-flight separation of the propeller and the…
- [NTSB ANC12LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC12LA075.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Kenai, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2012 · N7154Z · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of a propeller tip due to an unauthorized and undocumented propeller repair.
- [NTSB WPR12LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA143.md): Reich Glastar · Caldwell, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 2012 · N617G · Substantial damage
  > The failure of a propeller blade at the hub due to fatigue cracking.
- [NTSB ERA11IA521](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11IA521.md): Beech V35 · New Haven, CT · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2011 · N275BM · Minor damage
  > The in-flight fatigue failure of the engine’s crankshaft, which resulted in the separation of the forward portion of the crankshaft and the propeller.
- [NTSB CEN11FA528](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA528.md): Wright B Flyer Wright B Flyer · Springfield, OH · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 2011 · N453WB · Substantial damage
  > The flight crew’s failure to maintain airplane control following a partial loss of engine thrust during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the failed weld as a result of incomplete welding on the left propeller shaft, which led to the partial…
- [NTSB ERA10LA400](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA400.md): Dayton JD-2 · Hollywood, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2010 · N43015 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper installation of the propeller hub to the engine crankshaft, which resulted in a loss of engine thrust.
- [NTSB CEN10LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA131.md): Lacour Long-EZE SR7-1 · Falfurrias, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2010 · N97EZ · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a failure of the crankshaft behind the No. 3 connecting rod journal for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN10CA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10CA089.md): Lyman Randall/Scott David Avid Flyer · Eldon, MO · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 28, 2009 · N491DS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to climb or maintain proper airspeed due to the improper pitch setting of the propeller.
- [NTSB WPR09LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA052.md): Adkins Ridge Runner II · Mulino, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 29, 2008 · N825PB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain an adequate airspeed that resulted in a stall/mush during the initial climb. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of experience in this make and model airplane and the improper adjustment of the propeller pitch.
- [NTSB CHI08LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA154.md): Beech A36 · Grand Rapids, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 9, 2008 · N7214Y · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine thrust due to the propeller separating from the aircraft as a result of fatigue failure of the propeller attachment bolts caused by the insufficient torque of the bolts during installation.

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01046110'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01046110/cases

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