Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX91LA135

HERLONG, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N1921Y

MOONEY M20D

Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN IN CRUISE FLIGHT AT AN ALTITUDE OF 7500 FEET MSL FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS WHEN A BLADE SEPARATED FROM THE FIXED PITCH PROPELLER. THE PILOT SECURED THE ENGINE, STOPPED THE ROTATION OF THE PROPELLER AND LANDED ON A ROAD WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. A POST ACCIDENT ANALYSIS OF THE PROPELLER FAILURE DISCLOSED A FATIGUE CRACK EMANATED FROM A CORROSION AREA ON THE CAMBER SIDE OF THE BLADE.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE INADEQUATE PREPARATION OF THE PROPELLER DURING OVERHAUL. THE INSTALLATION OF AN IMPROPER PITCHED PROPELLER AND THE FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER BLADE EMANATING FROM CORROSION WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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