# NTSB FTW99LA271: Stinson L-5, N68591, Woodward, OK, September 29, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 29, 1999, 14:45 local (19:45 UTC) - Place: Woodward, OK - Coordinates: 36.420871, -99.400276 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4209&lon=-99.4003&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 18, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 47500 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA271 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47500/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA271 ## Probable cause The in-flight separation of the tip of a wood propeller blade. Contributing factors were the soft terrain and ditch encountered during the precautionary landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Propeller failure/malfunction, cruise - propeller system/accessories,leading edge cap - separation (cause) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor) - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor) ## Analysis During cruise flight, the airplane developed an 'extreme' vibration. During the ensuing precautionary landing to a dirt road, the aircraft encountered soft dirt and veered to the right, impacting a ditch. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that one of the blades of the wooden propeller was missing its metal tip. ## Factual narrative On September 29, 1999, at 1445 central daylight time, a Stinson L-5 vintage airplane, N68591, registered to the American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing near Woodward, Oklahoma. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from Hutchinson, Kansas, at 1305, with a destination of Midland, Texas. The pilot reported that during cruise flight, the airplane developed an "extreme" vibration. During the ensuing precautionary landing to a dirt road, the airplane encountered soft dirt and veered to the right, impacting a ditch. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that the right wing was structurally damaged. Further examination revealed that one of the blades of the wooden propeller was missing its metal tip, and the wood beneath the missing metal tip was discolored. The propeller was a Fahlin model 44K15005, S/N 49779. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N68591](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N68591), registered now, S/N 42-98667 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Stinson L-5 - Registry model: [Stinson L-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-l-5) (registry code 8630202) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-435A/0-435C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-435a-0-435c) (registry code 41517, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 42-98667 - Airframe hours: 3190 - Engines: Lycoming O-435 195 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Stephen A. Zoelle - Registered owner: Amer Air Power Heritage Fly Mu - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 15, 1999, 9 hours before - Departed: HUT, HUTCHINSON, KS - Destination: MAF, MIDLAND, TX ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,027 total, 132 in this make and model, 945 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 45° at 7 knots - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 19990929032429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990929032429A), Sep 29, 1999: Stnson L5, Woodward, OK, Substantial damage. (.19) On September 29, 1999, at 1445 central daylight time, a Stinson L-5 vintage airplane, N68591, registered to the American airpower heritage flying museum… ## Other investigations on N68591 (1) 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. - [NTSB MKC89LA174](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA174), Aug 6, 1989: Stinson L-5 (N68591), Minneapolis, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT SELECTED THE WRONG RUNWAY AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE CROSSWIND WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. 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.