# NTSB LAX91LA300: Cessna 320, N3011T, Reno, NV, July 8, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1991, 16:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.480171, -119.739822 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4802&lon=-119.7398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27280
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA300
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27280/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA300

## Probable cause

THE FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER FEATHERING COUNTER WEIGHT CLAMP ASSEMBLY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - propeller system/accessories,counterweight - fatigue (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,counterweight - failure,total (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE APPLIED FULL POWER AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS ACCELERATING THROUGH 30 KNOTS ON THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION. THE PILOT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF AND TAXIED BACK TO THE RAMP. INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT A CLAMP WHICH RETAINS ONE OF THE FEATHERING COUNTER WEIGHTS ON THE LEFT PROPELLER HAD SEPARATED, AND THE COUNTER WEIGHT PENETRATED THROUGH THE NOSE STRUCTURE OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE FAILED CLAMP ASSEMBLY WAS SENT TO THE FACTORY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE FAA CHICAGO AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION OFFICE FOR DETAILED ANALYSIS. ACCORDING TO THE REPORT OF THE EXAMINATION, THE FRACTURE WAS FOUND TO BE OF A FATIGUE TYPE, WITH THE ORIGIN ON THE LOWER INSIDE CORNER OF THE STEEL STRAP. CHEMICAL AND HARDNESS TESTS OF THE ASSEMBLY REVEALED THAT THE PART MET SPECIFICATIONS. THE REASON FOR THE FRACTURE INITIATION WAS UNDETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3011T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3011T), registered now, S/N 320C0011, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 320
- Registry model: [Cessna 320C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-320c) (registry code 2074510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSI0-470-B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsi0-470-b) (registry code 17029, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 320C0011
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSI0-470 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David E. Baskett
- Registered owner: David E. Baskett
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: SMX, SANTA MARIA, CA
- Airport: RNO, Reno-Cannon

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial, flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 4,000 total, 490 in this make and model, 3,000 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F

## 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 19910708026669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910708026669A), Jul 8, 1991: Cessna 320C, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Loud bang on takeoff roll. Aborted and returned to ramp. Propeller counterweight clamp failed. Clamp hit fuselage.

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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