On June 18, 1983, a Cessna 195A (registration N1537H) was involved in an aviation accident near St. George, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the propeller blade originating at a subsurface inclusion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A propeller blade separated, causing the aircraft to veer left out of control. The aircraft came to rest about 30 feet from the runway with the right main landing gear broken off. Metallurgical examination revealed fatigue failure.
Event Narrative
During operation, a propeller blade separated from the aircraft. This caused the aircraft to veer sharply to the left and become uncontrollable. The aircraft subsequently came to rest approximately 30 feet from the runway. The right main landing gear was found broken off.
Examination Findings
A metallurgical examination of the separated blade was conducted. The examination revealed that the blade failed due to fatigue. The fatigue crack originated at a subsurface inclusion. Additionally, a corrosion crack was present on the outer side of the blade. This crack exhibited corrosion products. The blades had been overhauled five months prior to the accident. During the overhaul, the blades were inspected for cracks using a dye penetrant test in accordance with the overhaul manual. An eddy current test was performed only on the inside of the bore.
Probable cause
Fatigue failure of the propeller blade originating at a subsurface inclusion.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Jun 1983 Cessna 195A accident near St. George, UT?
A propeller blade separated, causing the aircraft to veer left out of control. The aircraft came to rest about 30 feet from the runway with the right main landing gear broken off. Metallurgical examination revealed fatigue failure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jun 1983 involved a Cessna 195A, registration N1537H, at St. George, UT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fatigue failure of the propeller blade originating at a subsurface inclusion.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…