On April 7, 1982, a Piper PA-23-150 (registration N1196P) operated by L.e.clark was involved in an aviation accident near Newark, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separated propeller hub flange failed due to high cyclic metal fatigue. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a loud bang and observed the left engine cowl raised vertically with the engine drooping. After regaining control by feathering the right engine, a gear-up landing was made in a pasture. Investigation revealed a propeller hub flange failed due to high cyclic metal fatigue, leading to blade separation.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported hearing a loud bang during flight. Subsequently, the pilot observed that the left engine cowl had raised to a vertical position and the engine drooped downward. The excessive drag caused by the cowl and engine position rendered the aircraft uncontrollable. The pilot was able to regain control of the aircraft by feathering the right engine. A gear-up landing was then performed in a pasture.
Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that one blade had separated from the left propeller. The separation occurred due to a flange on the propeller hub that had failed. The separated hub flange failed as a result of high cyclic metal fatigue. No other information regarding the aircraft, occupants, or circumstances was provided.
Pilot Actions
The pilot’s decision to feather the right engine was effective in restoring control. The subsequent gear-up landing was executed in a pasture, presumably to avoid further damage or injury. No additional details about the landing or post-landing conditions are available.
Probable cause
The separated propeller hub flange failed due to high cyclic metal fatigue.