On August 18, 1987, a Beech G35 (registration N4235D) was involved in an aviation accident near Kent, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of the blade from the hub was the result of the use of the severely damaged blade retention nut in the overhauled propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after rotation, a propeller blade separated from the aircraft, followed by the hub assembly and remaining blade. The pilot landed straight ahead on the remaining runway. The hub had been overhauled 7 hours before. Metallurgical examination found a severely damaged blade retention nut caused the separation.
Accident Overview
Shortly after rotation during takeoff, a propeller blade separated from the aircraft. The remaining propeller hub assembly and the other blade also subsequently fell from the aircraft. The pilot was able to land the aircraft straight ahead on the remaining runway.
Maintenance History
The propeller hub had undergone overhaul just 7 hours before the accident.
Investigation Findings
Metallurgical examination of the propellers and hub assembly revealed that the separation of the blade from the hub was the result of the use of a severely damaged blade retention nut in the overhauled propeller.
Probable cause
The separation of the blade from the hub was the result of the use of the severely damaged blade retention nut in the overhauled propeller.
What happened in the 18 Aug 1987 Beech G35 accident near Kent, WA?
Shortly after rotation, a propeller blade separated from the aircraft, followed by the hub assembly and remaining blade. The pilot landed straight ahead on the remaining runway. The hub had been overhauled 7 hours before. Metallurgical examination found a severely damaged blade retention nut caused the separation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Aug 1987 involved a Beech G35, registration N4235D, at Kent, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The separation of the blade from the hub was the result of the use of the severely damaged blade retention nut in the overhauled propeller.
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