# NTSB ATL98LA031: Christopher Coats Challenger II, N132BC, Evergreen, AL, January 17, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 17, 1998, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: Evergreen, AL - Coordinates: 31.430099, -86.949607 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4301&lon=-86.9496&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3959 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL98LA031 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3959/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA031 ## Probable cause The undetermined failure of the propeller bolts that resulted in the inflight separation of the propeller assembly. A factor was the overpass bridge. ## 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 - separation (cause) - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - failure (cause) - miscellaneous,bolt/nut/fastener/clamp/spring - undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with object, emergency landing - object - bridge/overpass (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, while cruising at 1200 feet and about thirty minutes into the flight, the 'engine began to speed.' When the pilot reduced the throttle, he noticed that the propeller assembly had separated from the engine. The pilot selected an emergency landing area on the nearby Interstate highway. The right wing of the airplane collided with an overpass bridge as the pilot attempted to fly under the bridge during the forced landing. An examination of the airframe, at the accident site, confirmed that the propeller assembly had separated from the engine assembly. During the examination of the airframe, it was also noted that the six propeller retention bolts were not present with the engine. The propeller assembly and the six propeller retention bolts were not recovered for examination. According to the pilot, he assembled the airplane in accordance with the kit instructions. The propeller assembly was installed on the engine and secured with six 5/16 inch coarse threaded bolts provided. ## Factual narrative On January 17, 1998, at 1500 central standard time, a Christopher Coats, Challenger II Experimental airplane, N132BC, collided with the ground during an emergency landing near Evergreen, Alabama. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. A review of weather data recovered from the nearest reporting facility, disclosed that visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the airplane received substantial structural damage. The private pilot was not injured. The flight departed Brewton, Alabama, at 1430. The pilot reported that, while cruising at 1200 feet, and about thirty minutes into the flight, the "engine began to speed." When the pilot reduced the throttle, he noticed that the propeller assembly had separated from the engine. The pilot selected an emergency landing area on Interstate 65.near mile marker 92.2. As the pilot maneuvered for an emergency landing on the heavily traveled highway, the right wing collided with an overpass bridge. The pilot stated that the collision occurred as he attempted to fly under the bridge. An examination of the airframe, at the accident site, confirmed that the propeller assembly had separated from the engine assembly. During the examination of the airframe, it was also noted that the six propeller retention bolts were not present with the engine. The propeller assembly and the six propeller retention bolts were not recovered for metallurgical analysis. According to the pilot, he assembled the airplane in accordance with the kit instructions. The propeller assembly was installed on the engine and secured with six 5/16 inch coarse threaded bolts provided in the kit. He further stated that the propeller retention bolts were tighten to ten foot pounds of torque. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N132BC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N132BC-2000-08-05), registration cancelled 2000-08-05, S/N CH201971547 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Christopher Coats CHALLENGER II (CHALLENGER) - Registry model: [Coats Christopher V CHALLENGER II](https://openairdocs.org/model/coats-christopher-v-challenger-ii) (registry code 05604Z3) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: CH201971547 - Airframe hours: 46 - Engines: Rotax 503 52 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Christopher V. Coats - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, July 24, 1997, 46 hours before - Departed: 12J, BREWTON, AL ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 260 total, 46 in this make and model, 180 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 280° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: GZH, 4 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 19980117000419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980117000419A), Jan 17, 1998: Amtrqc CHALLENGER2, Evergreen, AL, Substantial damage. The pilot reported that, while cruising at 1200 feet and about thirty minutes into the flight, the engine began to speed. When the pilot reduced the throttle,… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.