On August 10, 1988, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N3589B) operated by Faa was involved in an aviation accident near Oklahoma City, OK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fracture resulted from fatigue cracks that initiated at the grease holes in the forward half of the propeller hub. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an instructional flight, a right propeller blade separated from the hub, followed by the remainder of the propeller. The pilot made an immediate right turn and landed on Runway 12.
Incident Overview
The flight was an instructional flight with three pilots onboard. The airplane departed on Runway 17R and was 300 to 400 feet above ground level when one blade of the right propeller separated from the hub, followed by the remainder of the propeller.
Actions Taken
The pilot in command made an immediate right turn and entered downwind for Runway 12, and then landed on that runway.
Examination Findings
Examination of the propeller hub revealed that the fracture resulted from fatigue cracks that initiated at the grease holes in the forward half of the propeller hub.
Probable cause
Fracture resulted from fatigue cracks that initiated at the grease holes in the forward half of the propeller hub.
What happened in the 10 Aug 1988 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Oklahoma City, OK?
During an instructional flight, a right propeller blade separated from the hub, followed by the remainder of the propeller. The pilot made an immediate right turn and landed on Runway 12.
Were there any fatalities in the 10 Aug 1988 Piper PA-31-350 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Aug 1988 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N3589B, operated by Faa, at Oklahoma City, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fracture resulted from fatigue cracks that initiated at the grease holes in the forward half of the propeller hub.
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