CEN12LA407

The non-certificated pilot reported that during the initial climb after takeoff, he heard a loud “pop” and then the airplane began to shake. The pilot lost control of the airplane, which entered a spin and impacted terrain. The pilot reported a potential propeller defect; however, a postaccident examination did not detect any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The source of the loud “pop” could not be determined.

On June 29, 2012, about 0800 central daylight time, a kit-built Hawk SSC light sport airplane, N163F, collided with terrain near Evansville, Indiana. The non-certificated pilot was seriously injured. Substantial damage was sustained to the airplane's wings and fuselage. The airplane was registered to and operated by private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight was originating from the Skylane Airport (K3EV), Evansville, Indiana, at the time of the accident. According to a statement provided by the pilot, on initial takeoff, approximately 250 feet above ground level, he heard a loud “pop" from the back of the airplane and the airplane began to vibrate violently. The airplane shook violently before it began to spiral to the ground. The pilot later reported that his flight experience was consistent with a failure of his Warp Drive propeller. The airplane had been partially disassembled before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was notified of the accident. An examination of the airframe by a responding FAA inspector had found the propeller secured in the propeller hub. No anomalies were detected with the airframe, engine, or propeller.