# NTSB FTW93LA262: Zbacnick Challenger II, N851BZ, Alamogordo, NM, July 18, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 18, 1993, 10:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Alamogordo, NM
- Coordinates: 32.880695, -105.950935 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8807&lon=-105.9509&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 13, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18833
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW93LA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18833/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA262

## Probable cause

THE SEIZURE OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT BEARING AND THE RESULTANT PROPELLER BLADE SEPARATION. FACTORS WERE THE UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE FOR THE 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 - normal
  - reduction gear assy,propeller shaft bearing - seized (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PROPELLER SEPARATED FROM THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT DUE TO THE SEIZURE OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT BEARING. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT DOWNWIND FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD THE PILOT OVERSHOT THE LANDING AREA AND THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE TOP OF A BERM AND BOUNCED. THE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE FROM THE WEST AT TEN KNOTS, GUSTING TO 17 KNOTS.

## Factual narrative

On July 18, 1993, at 1030 mountain daylight time, a Zbacnick Challenger II homebuilt airplane, N851BZ, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Alamogordo, New Mexico, following the inflight separation of the propeller. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight.

According to the pilot, a slight loss of RPM was experienced while maneuvering in the local area. The engine continued to operate normally after the throttle was advanced to reestablish normal power. The pilot further stated that approximately ten minutes later, a slight vibration developed, followed by the departure of the propeller assembly.

While attempting to land on an open field, the pilot overshot the landing area and the airplane impacted the top of a berm at the end of the strip and bounced. Examination of the airplane revealed that the propeller bearing had seized resulting in the separation of the propeller.  The winds at the time of the accident were from the west at ten knots, gusting to 17 knots.

The wreckage was verbally released to the owner by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector at the accident site.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N851BZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N851BZ-2013-07-29), registration cancelled 2013-07-29, S/N CH20389R0406 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ZBACNICK CHALLENGER II (CHALLENGER)
- Registry model: [Zbacnick Bill CHALLENGER II](https://openairdocs.org/model/zbacnick-bill-challenger-ii) (registry code 05676KQ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: CH20389R0406
- Engines: Rotax 503 48 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Fambrough, Jerry L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,390 total, 9 in this make and model, 1,390 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 10 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ALM, 1 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 19930718024249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930718024249A), Jul 18, 1993: Amtrqc CHALLENGER2, Alamogordo, NM, Substantial damage. Prop separated in flight. Overshot forced landing area and hit a berm. Prop bearing had siezed.

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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