On February 18, 1988, a Beech F33A (registration N6785Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Goodyear, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: One propeller blade separated from the hub due to severe fatigue cracking. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an instructional flight, a loud bang was heard at 300 feet. The engine lost power and the top cowling was missing. A forced landing resulted in collision with a fence. Investigation found a propeller blade separated due to fatigue cracking.
Incident Overview
During an instructional flight, shortly after takeoff and at an altitude of 300 feet, the pilot and student heard a loud bang. The engine subsequently experienced a loss of power. The pilot observed that the top of the engine cowling was missing. A forced landing was executed off the runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with a fence.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that one propeller blade had separated from the hub while the aircraft was in flight. Inspection of the separated propeller blade indicated severe fatigue cracking as the cause of the separation.
Probable cause
One propeller blade separated from the hub due to severe fatigue cracking.