# NTSB investigations: Propeller blade section

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.

Page 1 of 2 · 51 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA25LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA236.md): Sting Sport TL-2000 · Dunavant, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 20, 2025 · N878N · Substantial damage
  > The inflight failure of the propeller due to its exceedance of the manufacturer’s overhaul requirement.
- [NTSB CEN25LA117](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA117.md): Vans RV-7A · Plainview, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 10, 2025 · N923ZA · Substantial damage
  > The improper machining of the propeller blade bearing seat, which resulted in an inflight propeller blade fatigue failure. Contributing to the accident was the improper machining of the propeller hub and propeller blade root and machining surface quality…
- [NTSB WPR25LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA096.md): Cessna 150J · Minersville, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Feb 16, 2025 · N151GW · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the propeller blade due to fatigue that originated from an impact pit sustained at an unknown time. Contributing to the accident was the failure of unknown maintenance personnel to detect and repair the impact pit before painting the propeller,…
- [NTSB ERA24FA310](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24FA310.md): Williams John Titan T-51 Mustang · Geneva, OH · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 21, 2024 · N751TX · Substantial damage
  > A sudden propeller overspeed and subsequent separation of the propeller blades and hub, while maneuvering at high speed and at low altitude, which resulted in a collision with a tree during the subsequent forced landing attempt.
- [NTSB ERA24LA303](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA303.md): Jones LONG-EZ · Thomasville, GA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 10, 2024 · N4JZ · Substantial damage
  > The pilot reported that he was maneuvering around weather at 11,500 ft mean sea level (msl) when he made a rapid descent to 3,500 ft msl to remain clear of clouds. He reported that he did not exceed the airplane’s maneuvering speed during the descent, and…
- [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 CEN24LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA038.md): Bede BD-4 · Lowell, IN · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 14, 2023 · N931AS · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue cracking of the propeller blade root, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the propeller blade from its root. Contributing to the accident was the improper machining of the blade root threads, which resulted in chatter/ratchet marks that…
- [NTSB CEN23LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA218.md): Piper J3C · Romeoville, IL · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 27, 2023 · N6384H · Minor damage
  > The inflight failure of the propeller blade due to fatigue cracking from corrosion pits, initiating at the midpoint of the cambered face.
- [NTSB ERA22FA387](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA387.md): Sea & Sky Krucker Cygnet · Emily, MN · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 28, 2022 · N505DB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s operation of the weight-shift control aircraft over its design gross weight and his decision to take off with the engine operating at less than the specified takeoff rpm, which resulted in degraded takeoff and climb performance. Contributing to…
- [NTSB CEN22LA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA250.md): Beech 58 · Evansville, IN · Incident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 8, 2022 · N78KL · Minor damage
  > The failure of the propeller blade due to high-cycle fatigue that originated from damage that occurred at an unknown time. Contributing to the accident was the failure to identify the damage before the accident flight.
- [NTSB DCA22FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA22FA082.md): Joby Aero JAS4-2 · Jolon, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Feb 16, 2022 · N542AJ · Substantial damage
  > The separation of a propeller blade during expansion flight testing that resulted in cascading effects to include the separation of multiple propulsion motor/propeller assemblies and the loss of remote pilot control of the aircraft. Contributing to the…
- [NTSB WPR21LA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA301.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Amado, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2021 · N44245 · Substantial damage
  > The inflight separation of a section of a propeller blade due to a fatigue crack, which resulted in a forced landing.
- [NTSB CEN20LA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA207.md): Icon A5 · Duluth, MN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 3, 2020 · N838BA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to remove an object from the airplane’s exterior, which impacted the propeller blades when he applied full power, causing them to fracture and damage the airplane.
- [NTSB WPR20LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA062.md): Cessna 172H · El Monte, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 6, 2020 · N1658F · Substantial damage
  > The inflight separation of a section of a propeller blade due to a fatigue crack which resulted in a forced landing.
- [NTSB GAA20CA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA039.md): Zenair CH 701 · Safford, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 20, 2019 · N3784A · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of a propeller blade for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in an off-airport landing on soft sand and the separation of main landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s…
- [NTSB WPR19LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA273.md): Smyth Sidewinder · Tucumcari, NM · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 14, 2019 · N492AC · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of a section of a propeller blade due to a fatigue crack, which resulted in a forced landing.
- [NTSB CEN18LA301](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA301.md): Flightstar SC II · Painesville, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2018 · N953RJ · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain an airspeed below flight speed during a practice taxi run, which resulted in the airplane inadvertently becoming airborne. Once airborne, the reduced engine power due to an improper propeller pitch setting and…
- [NTSB CEN18LA292](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA292.md): Grumman AA5 · Brazoria, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 23, 2018 · N74420 · Substantial damage
  > The propeller blade separation due to a fatigue fracture.
- [NTSB CEN18LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA027.md): Riggs Kenneth W T Bird II · St Mary's, KS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 2017 · N618ER · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to a propeller failure when the passenger’s hat exited the cockpit and impacted the three-bladed pusher propeller, separating one of the propeller blades.
- [NTSB ANC17LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC17LA052.md): Cessna A185 · Aniak, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 2017 · N92DC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect a crack in the propeller blade, which led to the separation of a section of a propeller blade due to fatigue.
- [NTSB ERA17FA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17FA050.md): Curtiss JN4 · Williamson, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2016 · N1662 · Destroyed
  > The in-flight failure of the propeller due to excessive engine vibration loads and the use of an incorrectly-sized propeller, which resulted in a fatigue crack of the leading edge strip. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate repair of the propeller…
- [NTSB CEN16LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16LA015.md): Bobby Martin Autogyro MTO Sport · Wallisville, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2015 · N3232Z · Substantial damage
  > Fracture of the pusher propeller blade due to impact damage from an unknown object while in flight, which resulted in a severe vibration and a loss of thrust.
- [NTSB CEN15FA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15FA328.md): Socata TBM 700 · Milwaukee, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 2015 · N425KJ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's improper pitch control during the landing, which resulted in the propeller striking the runway, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the subsequent go-around, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack…
- [NTSB WPR15LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA149.md): Piper PA 18-150 · La Quinta, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 17, 2015 · N162SC · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly repair a propeller deformation, which resulted in a fatigue crack, separation of a propeller blade tip, and forced landing onto uneven terrain.
- [NTSB CEN15LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA077.md): New Piper PA 32R-301T · Springfield, MO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 2014 · N3127R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s decision to descend below the recommended altitude during approach for landing in night visual meteorological conditions, and his failure to see and avoid a lighted tower, which resulted in collision with the tower and a subsequent total loss of…
- [NTSB WPR15LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA025.md): Cessna 172S · Santa Monica, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 26, 2014 · N353MV · Substantial damage
  > The separation of a section of a propeller blade due to fatigue cracking. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to comply with the manufacturer’s maintenance and inspection instructions.
- [NTSB WPR14LA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14LA377.md): Piper PA 28 · Lone Pine, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 2014 · N5948W · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of a propeller blade due to a propeller strike by/of an unidentified object at an unknown time.
- [NTSB CEN14LA305](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14LA305.md): Bollinger Robert L BD 4 · Fairfield, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 2014 · N108BC · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control due to the in-flight separation of the propeller blades for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
- [NTSB ERA14LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA202.md): Oconnor Paul A Ultimate Aero 10-200 · Saint Albans, VT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 18, 2014 · N827D · Destroyed
  > The propeller blade’s failure due to fatigue cracks that initiated from pitch change pin attachment holes that had been drilled too deep during manufacture.
- [NTSB ERA13LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA075.md): Cessna 172F · Albemarle, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 2, 2012 · N8475U · Minor damage
  > The student pilot's failure to remain clear of the airplane’s rotating propeller.
- [NTSB CEN12LA655](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA655.md): TL Ultralight Sro Stingsport · Longmont, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 1, 2012 · N898N · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the wood propeller blades in flight. Contributing to the accident was the owner/operator’s failure to complete required inspections on the propeller within the specified interval, which reduced the likelihood of detecting the cracks and may…
- [NTSB CEN12IA377](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12IA377.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Lacon, IL · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 2012 · N4350T · Minor damage
  > The propeller blade’s failure due to a fatigue crack that originated from a surface gouge that resulted from foreign object damage to the propeller blade that occurred at an unknown time.
- [NTSB ERA12IA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12IA169.md): Cessna 172S · Jackson, MS · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jan 28, 2012 · N427CP · No damage
  > The separation of the propeller blade tip due to fatigue cracking that initiated at the blade’s leading edge.
- [NTSB CEN12LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA125.md): Aviat A-1C-180 · McKinney, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 2011 · N62WY · No damage
  > The passenger's inadvertent contact with a rotating propeller after exiting the parked airplane. Contributing to the accident were the dark night conditions and the deplaning of the passenger while the propeller was turning.
- [NTSB CEN11LA555](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA555.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Millsap, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2011 · N7689W · Substantial damage
  > A sudden loss of engine thrust due to the separation of a propeller blade in cruise flight due to high cycle fatigue.
- [NTSB CEN11LA527](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA527.md): Snow Quickie 2 · Ashtabula, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2011 · N240JS · Substantial damage
  > The incorrect propeller pitch and lower-than-expected engine speed that did not allow the airplane to attain a proper climb rate during takeoff, and the subsequent hard landing that occurred when the pilot reduced power.
- [NTSB CEN11FA253](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11FA253.md): Piper PA46-350P · Monroe, MI · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 2011 · N619VH · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's demonstration of poor judgment by attempting a high-speed pass several feet above the runway and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the runway.
- [NTSB ERA11LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA150.md): Flaglor Tom Kolb Aircraft MK III · Stetson, ME · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 17, 2011 · N213 · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight failure of the No. 1 composite propeller blade due to fatigue, which resulted in a violent vibration, loss of engine power, and a subsequent forced landing to unsuitable terrain.
- [NTSB CEN10LA484](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA484.md): Rammel Thomas W Searey · Cokato, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 2010 · N452TR · Substantial damage
  > Separation of the composite skin on one of the three propeller blades that resulted in an in-flight vibration, and the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the water while maneuvering to avoid obstacles in preparation for a precautionary landing.
- [NTSB WPR10LA317](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA317.md): Worgull Hornet · Camp Verde, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 2010 · N707BD · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the exhaust clamps for an undetermined reason, which resulted in the exhaust system striking the wooden propeller.
- [NTSB CEN10LA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN10LA241.md): Hager Clinton Ray Vans RV-8 · Prague, OK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 6, 2010 · N127TT · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of a propeller blade for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR09LA340](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA340.md): Bender Kitfox · Valencia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 7, 2009 · N926JB · Substantial damage
  > The failure and separation of a propeller blade for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN09CA510](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA510.md): Wohnoutka Steven M Team Z MAX · Iowa, LA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 4, 2009 · N301SS · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine thrust during initial climb due to the failure of the airplane's propeller as a result of preexisting damage.
- [NTSB CEN09CA386](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA386.md): Hubbell Prescott Pusher · Ashville, OH · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 24, 2009 · N19PP · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to propeller damage from being struck by the cabin-entry door, which inadvertently opened and departed the airframe for undetermined reasons during flight.
- [NTSB CEN09LA288](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA288.md): Smysor Kevin Velocity · Katy, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 9, 2009 · N45YV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's loss of control following an in-flight failure of the propeller.
- [NTSB CEN09LA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09LA132.md): Grumman American Avn. AA-5B · Milford, IN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 5, 2009 · N28862 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine thrust due to the separation of a section of one of the propeller blades as a result of fatigue failure of the propeller because of corrosion. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the mechanic to detect and address the propeller…
- [NTSB MIA08CA178](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08CA178.md): Dehavilland DH82A · Sevierville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 30, 2008 · N80660 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the wooden propeller.
- [NTSB NYC08CA297](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA297.md): Ercoupe 415-C · Sebring, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 29, 2008 · N87376 · Substantial damage
  > A bird strike which substantially damaged the propeller and required the engine to be secured. Contributing to the accident was the damaged propeller.
- [NTSB CHI08LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI08LA160.md): Piper PA-44-180 · Battle Creek, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 8, 2008 · N159WM · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the tip of a propeller blade due to metal fatigue that resulted from an inadequate inspection and repair.
- [NTSB SEA08LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA08LA114.md): Canup Titan Tornado S · Council, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 26, 2008 · N706BC · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the tip of the wood propeller due to damage caused by a foreign object.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01046111/cases.md?page=2

## 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", '01046111'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01046111/cases

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