On May 14, 1991, a Grumman G164B (registration N48658) operated by Wagner Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Yuba City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FATIGUE IN THE PROPELLER BLADE WHICH LED TO ITS ULTIMATE FAILURE. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE SOFT TERRAIN CONDITIONS ON WHICH THE AIRPLANE LANDED AND A BERM ACROSS THE AIRPLANE'S GROUND PATH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an aerial application flight, the airplane experienced violent shaking. The pilot reduced power and landed in a rice field, where the airplane nosed over after full braking was applied. Investigation revealed a 6-inch section of a propeller blade tip had separated due to fatigue.
Accident Details
An aerial application flight was in progress when the airplane began to shake violently as it neared the completion of a procedure turnaround. The pilot responded by reducing engine power and executed a landing in a rice field. During the landing roll, the pilot observed a berm ahead and applied full braking. The airplane subsequently nosed over onto its back.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the propeller disclosed that a 6-inch section of the tip end of one blade had separated. The fractured area displayed fatigue striation signatures, indicating that the separation was due to metal fatigue.
What happened in the 14 May 1991 Grumman G164B accident near Yuba City, CA?
During an aerial application flight, the airplane experienced violent shaking. The pilot reduced power and landed in a rice field, where the airplane nosed over after full braking was applied. Investigation revealed a 6-inch section of a propeller blade tip had separated due to fatigue.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 May 1991 involved a Grumman G164B, registration N48658, operated by Wagner Aviation, at Yuba City, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FATIGUE IN THE PROPELLER BLADE WHICH LED TO ITS ULTIMATE FAILURE. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE SOFT TERRAIN CONDITIONS ON WHICH THE AIRPLANE LANDED AND A BERM ACROSS THE AIRPLANE'S GROUND PATH.
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