On August 30, 1988, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N4049P) was involved in an aviation accident near Toledo, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the propeller hub. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During ILS practice, an aircraft lost a right propeller blade. The engine hung down, preventing full control. With left engine at full power, the aircraft turned and struck obstacles, resulting in a post-impact fire. Fatigue failure of the propeller hub was found.
Accident Sequence
While practicing ILS approaches and receiving vectors, the aircraft experienced the loss of one blade from the right propeller. The pilot/flight instructor attempted to secure the engine, but the engine hung down, preventing full control of the aircraft. With the left engine at full power, the aircraft made a slow descending turn to the right until it impacted a utility pole, trees, a vehicle, and the terrain. A post-impact fire erupted and consumed most of the fuselage. One person on the ground received minor injuries from falling tree limbs.
Examination Findings
Subsequent examination revealed a fatigue failure of the propeller hub. The factors concerning the initiation of the fatigue fracture could not be determined from the physical evidence found.
What happened in the 30 Aug 1988 Piper PA-23-160 accident near Toledo, OH?
During ILS practice, an aircraft lost a right propeller blade. The engine hung down, preventing full control. With left engine at full power, the aircraft turned and struck obstacles, resulting in a post-impact fire. Fatigue failure of the propeller hub was found.
Were there any fatalities in the 30 Aug 1988 Piper PA-23-160 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Aug 1988 involved a Piper PA-23-160, registration N4049P, at Toledo, OH.
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