What happened
During cruise flight at an altitude of 3,500 feet mean sea level, a significant portion of the aircraft's propeller failed. Specifically, five inches of one propeller blade tip separated from the assembly while the aircraft was in level flight. The separation created a severe mechanical imbalance within the propulsion system.
This imbalance resulted in immediate and intense vibration throughout the airframe. Simultaneously, the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power due to the damaged propeller configuration. Unable to maintain the current altitude with the reduced thrust and increased drag, the pilot initiated emergency procedures.
The pilot established a pattern for a forced landing at Clearview Airport. The aircraft touched down midway along the runway surface. However, the aircraft retained sufficient forward momentum to continue beyond the paved runway end. It then departed the airport grounds and contacted a ditch located adjacent to the runway. Upon impact with the ditch, the nose of the aircraft collapsed, resulting in a nosed-over position.
The investigation
The primary mechanical failure identified was the separation of the propeller blade tip. The investigation focused on the integrity of the propeller assembly and the resulting aerodynamic effects. The severe vibration noted by the pilot was consistent with the mass imbalance caused by the missing five-inch segment of the blade.
Findings
The sequence of events was driven by the structural failure of the propeller component. The loss of altitude was a direct consequence of the partial power loss and increased drag. The final impact occurred because the aircraft could not be stopped within the available runway length after touchdown.