On August 4, 1984, a Piper PA-28-160 (registration N5086W) was involved in an aviation accident near Palmyra, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fatigue failure originated from one of the nicks. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a personal flight, severe engine and airframe vibrations prompted a forced landing attempt in a mint field, during which the aircraft struck a utility pole after power was applied to clear houses. Investigation found a blade tip missing and fatigue failure from nicks.
Incident Overview
A personal flight experienced severe vibrations from the engine and airframe, prompting the pilot to reduce power and turn eastward to attempt a landing in a mint field. As the aircraft approached the field, the pilot applied power to clear a row of small houses. During this maneuver, the right wing struck a utility pole.
Witness Accounts
Passengers reported that the utility pole was located on the far side of the houses and was not seen by anyone on board until just before impact.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that approximately 6 inches of one propeller tip was missing. Further inspection of the propeller showed existing nicks and rough file work on previous nicks. The investigation determined that a fatigue failure originated from one of these nicks.
Probable cause
A fatigue failure originated from one of the nicks.
What happened in the 4 Aug 1984 Piper PA-28-160 accident near Palmyra, WI?
During a personal flight, severe engine and airframe vibrations prompted a forced landing attempt in a mint field, during which the aircraft struck a utility pole after power was applied to clear houses. Investigation found a blade tip missing and fatigue failure from nicks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Aug 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-160, registration N5086W, at Palmyra, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A fatigue failure originated from one of the nicks.
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…