# NTSB investigations: Propeller failure/malfunction

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 · 81 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB NYC08CA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA058.md): Fisher Aero Celebrity · White Plains, AL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 8, 2007 · N43682 · Substantial damage
  > A propeller failure during cruise flight.
- [NTSB NYC08LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA015.md): Ryan ST-3KR · Unadilla, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 2007 · N780SR · Substantial damage
  > The improper propeller installation by the mechanic.
- [NTSB CHI07LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07LA167.md): Piper PA-34-200 · New Smyrna Beac, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 2007 · N15156 · Substantial damage
  > The propeller blade separation from the propeller hub due to a fatigue fracture of the hub while in cruise flight. A factor was the embankment.
- [NTSB LAX07LA078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA078.md): Republic RC-3 · Julian, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 2, 2007 · N6248K · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the propeller to crankshaft attachment bolts due to fatigue. A contributing factor was the improper installation of the propeller assembly by maintenance personnel.
- [NTSB SEA07LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07LA039.md): Averyt Vans RV-4 · Grants Pass, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 2006 · N234RV · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during performance of a go-around, resulting in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in flight collision with the ground. A contributing factor was the in-flight loss of a portion of one propeller blade.
- [NTSB NYC06IA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06IA143.md): Cessna 172S · Lawrence, MA · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2006 · N2138W · Minor damage
  > Foreign object damage to the leading edge of the propeller blade, which resulted in fatigue cracking and subsequent blade failure.
- [NTSB NYC06LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06LA097.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Avondale, PA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 16, 2006 · N15507 · Destroyed
  > Separation of the propeller blade due to fatigue.
- [NTSB DFW05CA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05CA189.md): Rockwell International S-2R · Hamlin, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2005 · N4946X · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the propeller blade seal resulting in an oil leak. Contributing factors were the limited forward visibility and lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing.
- [NTSB SEA05LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA121.md): Cessna 188A · Fairview, MT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 20, 2005 · N2133U · Substantial damage
  > While in cruise flight a separation of a propeller blade as a result of a propeller hub crack. Factors contributing to the accident included the installation of an unapproved propeller, and the failure to properly service the propeller with red dyed oil for…
- [NTSB DFW05CA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05CA158.md): Rose Parakeet A-1 · Boyd, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 10, 2005 · NC18252 · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the outboard section of the propeller for unknown reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB NYC04CA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04CA124.md): Fraker Mustang II · Wauseon, OH · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 13, 2004 · N78K · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the drive coupling between the engine and the propeller speed reducer. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the drive coupling.
- [NTSB FTW04LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA013.md): Prill RV-6 · Snyder, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 2003 · N3XS · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the propeller blade for undetermined reason. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain.
- [NTSB ATL03LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL03LA130.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Winchester, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 20, 2003 · N8496R · Substantial damage
  > A maintenance personnel failure to follow propeller inspection procedures that resulted in a fatigue failure of a propeller blade and the subsequent forced landing.
- [NTSB DEN03LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA120.md): Conn Vans RV-4 · Durango, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 5, 2003 · N78DR · Substantial damage
  > partial propeller blade separation for reasons undetermined, and the pilot's misjudgment of distance and altitude during the forced landing approach that resulted in his overshooting the road on intended landing and colliding with trees. A contributing factor…
- [NTSB FTW03LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA171.md): Boyle Black Eagle BE360 · Celina, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 2003 · N72BJ · Substantial damage
  > The loss of propeller pitch effectiveness for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX03LA130](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA130.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Baker, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2003 · N8465R · Substantial damage
  > the separation of a propeller blade tip due to fatigue cracking that resulted from improper maintenance repair procedures.
- [NTSB LAX03LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA110.md): Kolb Firestar · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 8, 2003 · N670JW · Substantial damage
  > propeller delamination due to the pilot's failure to properly secure the rear seat shoulder harness prior to flight. A contributing factor was the soft ground in which the airplane landed.
- [NTSB MIA03LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03LA069.md): Beech A45 · Merritt Island, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 2003 · N34MR · Substantial damage
  > The separation of both propeller blades in-flight for undetermined reasons and the failure of the pilot to attain the proper touchdown during the forced landing resulting in overrun during landing and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear. A…
- [NTSB LAX03FA074](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA074.md): Beech 95 · Rancho Cucamong, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 2003 · N2733Y · Destroyed
  > The fracture and separation of a propeller blade during cruise flight due to fatigue and corrosion pits in the blade pilot bore, and an improper overhaul of the separated propeller by repair station personnel. Factors contributing to the accident were the…
- [NTSB LAX03LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA063.md): Davis YAK-3 UR-2000 · Parker, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 10, 2003 · N498SD · Substantial damage
  > failure of the propeller shaft extension mechanism resulting in a loss of power, and the pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point.
- [NTSB ANC02LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02LA127.md): Piper PA-18 · Ekwok, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2002 · N723C · Substantial damage
  > A partial separation of one propeller blade during cruise flight.
- [NTSB LAX02LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA104.md): Cessna 172L · Bullhead City, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 7, 2002 · N7774G · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to comply with maintenance/inspection requirements that resulted in a propeller failure.
- [NTSB SEA02LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA003.md): Ellsberg One Design · Bend, OR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 2001 · N55TE · Substantial damage
  > the separation of a propeller counterweight mounting bracket due to incorrect mounting bolt torque. Factors include significant powerplant vibration during the forced landing, no suitable landing area, and soft terrain next to the narrow road on which the…
- [NTSB NYC01LA221](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA221.md): de Havilland DHC-94 Moth Minor · Farmington, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 2, 2001 · N9403 · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of a propeller blade, which resulted in a forced landing to unsuitable terrain. A factor related to the accident was the plowed field.
- [NTSB CHI01IA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01IA246.md): Air Tractor AT-401 · Kenesaw, NE · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2001 · N4553K · Minor damage
  > The propeller blade fatigue leading to its tip separating during an aerial application. Factors were no suitable terrain for an emergency landing, high vegetation, and soft terrain encountered during the emergency landing.
- [NTSB CHI01LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA222.md): Druine Turbulent D-31 · Lebanon, IN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2001 · N4697T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot not maintaining aircraft control while maneuvering during initial climb. Factors to the accident were the improperly serviced propeller that resulted in a pitch setting that was insufficient for normal flight.
- [NTSB DEN01LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN01LA085.md): Boyd Young Kolb Mark III · Brigham City, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 11, 2001 · N1225Y · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's misjudged landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was the propeller tip separation due to foreign object damage.
- [NTSB IAD01FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01FA015.md): Beech F90 · Lynchburg, VA · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 2000 · N94U · Destroyed
  > Improper rigging of both propeller assemblies by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the inadvertent feathering of both propellers after takeoff. Factors included a lack of rigging experience in airplane make and model by maintenance personnel, unclear…
- [NTSB SEA01LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA023.md): Piper PA-30 · Stevensville, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 2000 · N7062Y · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue of the right propeller blade resulting in an in-flight separation of the blade tip. A contributing factor was the improper maintenance procedure.
- [NTSB FTW01LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA005.md): Holt Thorpe T-18C · Imperial, TX · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 2000 · N85LH · Destroyed
  > the failure of the propeller blade due to fatigue, which originated from a corrosion crack. A contributory factor was the pilot/owner's failure to ensure that the propeller was overhauled at the manufacturer's recommended interval.
- [NTSB FTW00LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA242.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-35 · Corsicana, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 2000 · N770MA · Substantial damage
  > the in-flight separation of the propeller blade, which resulted from intergranular corrosion and fatigue cracking.
- [NTSB MIA00LA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA00LA225.md): Cessna 421A · Homewood, MS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 2000 · N1477D · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate installation of the right propeller by the mechanic for his failure to properly torque the eight nuts resulting in fatigue failure of the studs and separation of the right propeller during cruise flight. Findings in the investigation were 1)…
- [NTSB FTW00LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA197.md): Bushby Midget Mustang · Tulsa, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2000 · N6402G · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the propeller spinner. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing.
- [NTSB DEN00IA133](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00IA133.md): Diamond Aircraft Industries 20C-1 · Spanish Fork, UT · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2000 · N991CT · Minor damage
  > The company maintenance personnel's inadequate torquing procedures of the propeller attachment bolts which resulted in the fatigue failure of the propeller attachment bolts and the in-flight separation of the propeller.
- [NTSB DEN00FA092](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00FA092.md): Swearingen SA226TC · Denver, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 19, 2000 · N235BA · Substantial damage
  > propeller blade fatigue failure due to stress corrosion.
- [NTSB SEA00LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA068.md): PZL-Bielsko SZD-45A Ogar · Libby, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 8, 2000 · N54AS · Substantial damage
  > A crack in the propeller blade that developed into a complete separation of the blade.
- [NTSB NYC00LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA061.md): Zielke RV-4 · Florence, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 1999 · N8ZZ · Substantial damage
  > Failure of one of the propeller blades. A factor was the necessity land across, rather than in alignment with, the furrowed terrain due to the nature of the emergency.
- [NTSB FTW00LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW00LA042.md): King Lancair 235/320 · Sterling City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 1999 · N717SK · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue fracture of the propeller attaching bolts, due to improper torque during the installation of the propeller by other maintenance personnel. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX00LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA023.md): Luhnau BD-5B · Boulder City, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 1999 · N62765 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to secure an electrical wire terminal in the propeller pitch control circuit following a maintenance adjustment, which resulted in the propeller malfunctioning and going to a flat pitch. The flat pitch of the propeller produced a high drag…
- [NTSB FTW99LA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA271.md): Stinson L-5 · Woodward, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1999 · N68591 · Substantial damage
  > The in-flight separation of the tip of a wood propeller blade. Contributing factors were the soft terrain and ditch encountered during the precautionary landing.
- [NTSB SEA99LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA174.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Vaughn, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1999 · N9395J · Substantial damage
  > The separation of a propeller blade tip due to fatigue, and the improper maintenance procedure.
- [NTSB NYC99LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA202.md): Mooney M20E · Prattsburg, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1999 · N3243F · Destroyed
  > Propeller blade separation, resulting from fatigue cracking initiated by intergranular corrosion. A factor was the lack of propeller blade corrosion inspection requirements.
- [NTSB NYC99LA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA184.md): Troy Pietenpol · Collins, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 1999 · N6286A · Substantial damage
  > In-flight separation of the propeller.
- [NTSB MIA99LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA99LA173.md): Cessna 182R · Sevierville, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1999 · N6126E · Substantial damage
  > A loss of propeller governor control due to oil contamination.
- [NTSB FTW99FA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99FA148.md): Beech C18S · Waldron, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 24, 1999 · N9729H · Destroyed
  > the separation of a propeller blade in cruise flight as a result of fatigue cracking emanating from surface corrosion pitting.
- [NTSB FTW99FA132](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99FA132.md): Grumman American AA-5B · Claremore, OK · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · May 8, 1999 · N4546J · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue fracture of the propeller bolts resulting from the improper installation of the propeller assembly.
- [NTSB FTW98FA392](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98FA392.md): Piper PA-20-180 · Thornton, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 1998 · N6028D · Destroyed
  > The separation of a propeller blade due to corrosion initiated fatigue, followed by the separation of several of the engine's mounts, and the subsequent inability of the pilot to control the aircraft. A contributing factor was the trees.
- [NTSB ANC98LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA131.md): Cessna 172 · Palmer, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 15, 1998 · N7966B · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue of the forward end of the engine crankshaft resulting in separation of the propeller assembly, and the operator's failure to comply with a required maintenance procedure. A factor was uneven terrain.
- [NTSB ATL98LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA108.md): Dean R. Fellows Vans RV-6 · Bainbridge, GA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 8, 1998 · N245DF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly modify the crankshaft per the manufacturers service instructions for installation of a fixed pitch propeller and to apply proper torque values to the propellers mounting bolts.
- [NTSB FTW99LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA025.md): Mooney M20C · Vernon, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 1998 · N9744M · Substantial damage
  > Fatigue cracking of the propeller blade which originated from corrosion pitting on its camber side, resulting in the blade tip separation during cruise flight.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?occurrence=131&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 o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 131)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=131

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