What happened
While performing ILS approaches and receiving vectors, the aircraft experienced the loss of one blade from the right propeller. The pilot and flight instructor attempted to secure the right engine; however, the engine hung down in a manner that prevented full control of the aircraft.
Operating with full power on the left engine, the aircraft entered a slow, descending turn to the right. The descent continued until the aircraft struck a utility pole, trees, a vehicle, and the terrain. Following the impact, a fire erupted and consumed most of the fuselage. There were no fatalities among the occupants, though one person on the ground sustained minor injuries from falling tree limbs.
The investigation
A subsequent examination of the wreckage revealed a fatigue failure of the propeller hub. Investigators determined that the physical evidence available was insufficient to identify the specific factors that initiated the fatigue fracture.