# NTSB CHI92DEX04: Alkire Pietenpol, N2739, Delphi, IN, July 31, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1992, 11:50 local (16:50 UTC)
- Place: Delphi, IN
- Coordinates: 40.579334, -86.669448 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5793&lon=-86.6694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15256
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92DEX04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15256/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92DEX04

## Probable cause

SEPARATION OF THE PROPELLER WHILE IN FLIGHT, AND UNSUITABLE TERRAIN TO EFFECT A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - propeller system/accessories - separation (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,prop blade retention - corroded (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT WHEN PROPELLER SEPARATED. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A SOFT FIELD WITH HIGH GRASS. THE LANDING GEAR SANK INTO THE GROUND DURING THE ROLLOUT, AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT FOUR OF SIX PROPELLER RETAINING BOLTS WERE CRACKED AND RUSTED ACROSS THEIR DIAMETER IN AMOUNTS VARYING FROM 30 TO 100%.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2739](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2739), registered now, S/N 1, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ALKIRE PIETENPOL
- Registry model: [Alkire PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER](https://openairdocs.org/model/alkire-pietenpol-air-camper) (registry code 7040107) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1
- Airframe hours: 402
- Engines: FORD B 50 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Alkire, Richard P
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, July 25, 1992, 2 hours before
- Departed: 5I8, GREENTOWN, IN
- Destination: RZL, RENSSELAER, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,836 total, 402 in this make and model, 1,717 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,100 ft broken
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAF, 20 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 19920731028469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920731028469A), Jul 31, 1992: Amtr PIETENPOL, Delphi, IN, Substantial damage. Propeller separated in flight. Flipped over on forced landing. Propeller attach bolts failed due rust and corrosion

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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