# NTSB MIA95LA140: Moncrief Zodiac 601, N18FL, Fernandina Bch, FL, May 28, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1995, 15:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Fernandina Bch, FL
- Location: 30.6558° N, 81.4503° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Fernandina Beach, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.6558&lon=-81.4503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37776
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA95LA140
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37776/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA140

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO ADEQUATELY TORQUE THE PROPELLER BOLTS DURING THE LAST INSPECTION RESULTING IN THE BOLT FAILURES AND THE LOSS OF THE PROPELLER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - loss,total
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency

## Analysis

WHILE IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN THE PILOT OF THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE NOTED THE PROPELLER FLEW OFF THE ENGINE. HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO A MARSH SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. EXAMINATION OF THE PROPELLER RETENTION BOLTS REVEALED FRACTURE SURFACES WITH SIGNATURES CONSISTENT WITH FATIGUE DUE TO UNDERTORQUE.

## Factual narrative

On May 28, 1995, about 1515 eastern daylight time, N18FL, a homebuilt, Moncrief-Zodiac 601 crashed short of the runway at Fernandina Beach Airport, Fernandina Beach, Florida, while on a local 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from the same airport about 30 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated that while on approach for runway 05 the propeller separated from the airplane and he landed  short of the runway. Examination of the propeller retention bolts revealed that the fracture surfaces exhibited signatures of failure consistent with fatigue due to inadequate torque.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N18FL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N18FL-2005-03-22), registration cancelled 2005-03-22, S/N 6-3073, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MONCRIEF ZODIAC 601
- Registry model: [Moncrief Keith D CH 601 HDS](https://openairdocs.org/model/moncrief-keith-d-ch-601-hds) (registry code 05625J7) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 6-3073
- Airframe hours: 19
- Engines: ROTAX 912 80 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Moncrief, Keith D.
- Last inspection: Annual, March 27, 1995, 2 hours before
- Departed: 55J, FL
- Destination: 55J
- Airport: 55J, Fernandina Beach, runway 5, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 137 total, 17 in this make and model, 22 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRG, 15 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 19950528014359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950528014359A), May 28, 1995: Amtr CH601HDS, Fernandina Beac, FL, Substantial damage. Propeller separated from homebuilt on final. Landed short. Fatigue cracks due to inadequate torque. (.19) on may 28, 1995, about 1515 eastern daylight time,…

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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