# NTSB ATL87LA169: Piper PA-28-180, N3923R, Franklin, NC, June 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 8, 1987, 07:50 local (11:50 UTC)
- Place: Franklin, NC
- Coordinates: 35.179046, -83.38018 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1790&lon=-83.3802&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7450
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7450/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA169

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - corroded (contributing factor)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - fatigue (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - separation (cause)
  - maintenance,overhaul - inadequate, manufacturer (contributing factor)
  - procedure inadequate, manufacturer (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence

## Analysis

A 17 INCH PORTION OF ONE OF THE PROP BLADES FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE 76 INCH DIA PROP WHILE THE ACFT WAS AT CRUISE. DURING THE FORCED LANDING THE ACFT STRUCK A FENCE POST. EXAMINATION OF THE PROP REVEALED THE PRESENCE OF FILIFORM CORROSION ACROSS THE BACKS OF BOTH BLADES. METALLURGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FRACTURE SURFACE REVEALED THAT THE FRACTURE ORIGINATED AT A CORROSION PIT ON THE BLADE BACK. TOTAL TIME OF THE PROP WAS 2225 HRS, THE PROP WAS RECONDITIONED BY THE MFR 1241 HRS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE MFR RECOMMENDS THAT THIS MODEL PROP BE RECONDITIONED EVERY 1000 HRS. THE ORIGINAL RECONDITIONING PROCEDURE SPECIFIED ANODIZING THE PROP AND PAINTING WITH LAQUER AFTER REPAIR. EXAMINATION OF THE PROP INDICATES THAT THIS WAS DONE. THE MFR HAS SINCE REVISED THE RECONDITIONING PROCEDURE TO USE A CHEMICAL CONVERSION COATING INSTEAD. THE MFR SPECIFIES THAT THE PROP BE FREQUENTLY WIPED WITH AN OILY RAG BETWEEN RECONDITIONINGS TO ASSIST IN CORROSION PREVENTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3923R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3923R), registered now, S/N 28-5831, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 285831
- Airframe hours: 2225
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William H. Haney
- Registered owner: William H Haney
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, October 28, 1986, 53 hours before
- Departed: 46A, BLAIRSVILLE, GA
- Destination: W44, ASHEVILLE, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 535 total, 131 in this make and model, 449 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19870608028339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870608028339A), Jun 8, 1987: Piper PA28180, Franklin, NC, Substantial damage. A propeller blade separated in flight. The aircraft struck a fence during the ensuing forced landing.

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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