# NTSB ATL95LA042: Matto KR-2A Modified, N612W, Boone, NC, January 18, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 1995, 15:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Boone, NC
- Coordinates: 36.200702, -81.660636 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2007&lon=-81.6606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3518
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL95LA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3518/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL95LA042

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER RETAINING BOLTS FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, WHICH RESULTED IN THE SEPARATION OF THE PROPELLER FROM THE ENGINE. THE RISING, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WAS A FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - failure,total (cause)
  - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - terrain condition - rising

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT, ABOUT 5,500 FEET MSL, THE PROPELLER SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE. THE PILOT SET UP FOR A FORCED LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LANDED ON AN OPEN FIELD, ON RISING MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE PROPELLER WAS NOT LOCATED. THREE BOLTS ENDS REMAINED IN THE PROPELLER FLANGE, AND ALL SHOWED EVIDENCE OF OVERLOAD. THE OTHER THREE BOLTS WERE NOT LOCATED.

## Factual narrative

On January 18, 1995, at 1515 eastern standard time, a Matto KR-2A Modified, N612W, collided with terrain during a forced landing near Boone, North Carolina. The private pilot was not injured, and the aircraft had substantial damage. The homebuilt, experimental aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight originated in Mountain City, Tennessee at 1415.

The pilot reported that the aircraft was in cruise flight,  about 5,500 feet mean sea level, when the propeller separated from the engine. The pilot prepared for a forced landing. The aircraft was force landed on an open field, on rising, mountainous terrain. Structural damage to the airframe resulted. The propeller was not located.

The propeller flange, located on the engine crankshaft, had six holes for attaching the propeller. The ends of three bolts remained in the flange holes, and the heads were missing. The other three bolts were not located. The fracture surfaces of the located bolt ends exhibited a bright, crystalline appearance.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N612W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N612W-1998-08-01), registration cancelled 1998-08-01, S/N 0001 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MATTO KR-2A MODIFIED (KR-2A MODI)
- Registry model: [Matto KR-2A MODIFIED](https://openairdocs.org/model/matto-kr-2a-modified) (registry code 0564860) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 001
- Airframe hours: 233
- Engines: VOLKSWAGEN 1835 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ives, Thomas E.
- Registered owner: Ives, Thomas E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1995, 2 hours before
- Departed: 6A4, MOUNTAIN CITY, TN
- Destination: 6A4, TN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 311 total, 2 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HKY, 30 nm away

## 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 19950118000549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950118000549A), Jan 18, 1995: Amtr KR2, Boone, NC, Substantial damage. Prop assembly attach bolts failed. Props separated in flight. Forced down in rough terrain.

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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