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Casualties unknown

Propeller Hub Fatigue Failure Causes Engine Failure and Emergency Landing (N3317F)

Deer Valley, AZ, US

On July 4, 1982, a Cessna 182J (registration N3317F) operated by Jack Cowan was involved in an aviation accident near Deer Valley, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The propeller hub, McCauley PN TCP3EA-PC3, failed from fatigue, leading to blade separation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During climb at 6,500 ft, loud bang and engine cowling buckle preceded engine stoppage. Emergency landing on uncontrolled airport. Investigation found propeller separation due to fatigue failure of the McCauley propeller hub.

Incident Details

While climbing through approximately 6,500 feet, a loud bang was heard. The pilot observed the engine cowling buckle. About ten seconds later, the engine ceased to operate. The pilot declared an emergency and landed on an uncontrolled airport.

Examination Findings

After landing, examination of the aircraft revealed that the propeller had separated. Substantial damage from obvious engine vibration was noted. The propeller assembly was found on a highway with one blade missing.

Metallurgical Analysis

A metallurgical examination determined that the propeller blade had separated after the propeller hub, identified as McCauley part number TCP3EA-PC3, had failed from fatigue. The failure of the hub due to fatigue allowed the blade to detach.

Probable cause

The propeller hub, McCauley PN TCP3EA-PC3, failed from fatigue, leading to blade separation.
Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1982 Cessna 182J accident near Deer Valley, AZ?

During climb at 6,500 ft, loud bang and engine cowling buckle preceded engine stoppage. Emergency landing on uncontrolled airport. Investigation found propeller separation due to fatigue failure of the McCauley propeller hub.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1982 involved a Cessna 182J, registration N3317F, operated by Jack Cowan, at Deer Valley, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The propeller hub, McCauley PN TCP3EA-PC3, failed from fatigue, leading to blade separation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03573. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.