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Casualties unknown

Propeller Separation Leads to Forced Landing and Tree Strike (N81317)

Lake Havasu Cit, AZ, US

On February 6, 1984, a Grumman American AA-5B (registration N81317) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Havasu Cit, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the mounting bolts due to overstress. 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 cruise at 8,500 feet MSL, the propeller assembly separated from the aircraft. In the forced landing rollout, the aircraft struck a tree. The remaining portion of broken mounting bolts showed signs of overstress failure.

Incident Summary

While in cruise at 8,500 feet MSL, the propeller assembly forward of the mounting flange separated from the aircraft. The pilot executed a forced landing, during the rollout of which the aircraft struck a tree.

Investigation Findings

Investigators examined the remaining portion of the broken mounting bolts. These bolts showed signs of failure due to overstress. The propeller itself was not recovered.

Maintenance and Directive Compliance

Airworthiness Directive 82-27-01 required inspection of the propeller hub and mounting bolt hole areas for cracks. No record of compliance with this directive was found. However, an annual maintenance inspection had been performed on June 8, 1983.

Probable cause

Failure of the mounting bolts due to overstress.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Feb 1984 Grumman American AA-5B accident near Lake Havasu Cit, AZ?

During cruise at 8,500 feet MSL, the propeller assembly separated from the aircraft. In the forced landing rollout, the aircraft struck a tree. The remaining portion of broken mounting bolts showed signs of overstress failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Feb 1984 involved a Grumman American AA-5B, registration N81317, at Lake Havasu Cit, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the mounting bolts due to overstress.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38812. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.