On January 23, 1991, a Cessna P206 (registration N4626F) was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE NUMBER TWO PROPELLER BLADE ACTUATING PIN, DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE PINS AND NON-COMPLIANCE WITH AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD 77-13-77). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot and passenger experienced a different engine sound and loss of thrust on final approach, followed by a rough condition. The pilot executed an emergency landing short of the runway, where the aircraft nosed down on soft terrain. Post-accident examination revealed fatigue fractures on two of three prop blade actuating pins, which had not been reworked per AD 77-13-17 and had bottomed out during installation.
Accident Sequence
While on final approach to Runway 23R at approximately 1,200 feet MSL, the pilot and passenger noted a 'different' sound from the propeller/engine. There was a loss of thrust from the engine, and a rough or out-of-balance condition was noted. The pilot stated he was unable to maintain altitude and was forced to make an emergency landing about 3/4 mile short of the runway. During the landing, the aircraft encountered soft/uneven terrain and nosed down.
Post-Accident Examination
No preimpact mechanical problem was found with the engine. A post-accident examination revealed that all three propeller blades were free to rotate 360 degrees in their hubs. Fatigue fractures were found on two of the three prop blade actuating pins; fatigue striations were present on 90 to 95 percent of the #2 prop actuating pin and about 60 percent on the #1 prop pin (B-3491 pins). Neither of these pins had been reworked to shorten the threaded end in accordance with AD 77-13-17, which referenced McCauley Service Bulletin #99. During installation, the pins had 'bottomed out' in their respective tapped holes, which prevented proper seating. The #3 prop blade actuating pin was a correct pin (B-4460) and it had no preimpact crack or failure.
What happened in the 23 Jan 1991 Cessna P206 accident near Cleveland, OH?
A pilot and passenger experienced a different engine sound and loss of thrust on final approach, followed by a rough condition. The pilot executed an emergency landing short of the runway, where the aircraft nosed down on soft terrain. Post-accident examination revealed fatigue fractures on two of three prop blade…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jan 1991 involved a Cessna P206, registration N4626F, at Cleveland, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE NUMBER TWO PROPELLER BLADE ACTUATING PIN, DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE PINS AND NON-COMPLIANCE WITH AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD 77-13-77).
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