Aviation Accident Summary FTW91LA094

HOUSTON, TX, USA

Aircraft #1

N48JP

PITTS S1C

Analysis

FOLLOWING A SERIES OF AEROBATIC MANEUVERS TO TEST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEW TYPE OF COMPOSITE PROPELLER THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER. THE PROPELLER WAS ISSUED WITH A KIT THAT INCLUDED THE MOUNTING BOLTS. THE BOLTS PROVIDED WERE TOO LONG AND BOTTOMED OUT RESULTING IN NO TORQUE BEING APPLIED TO THE PROPELLER. THE PROPELLER WOBBLED, AND THE PROPELLER LAMINATIONS SEPARATED.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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