On July 14, 1991, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N8803P) operated by Vernon C. Slater was involved in an aviation accident near Flint, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pitch change knobs on one propeller blade, which caused a severe vibration and led to an emergency landing short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced severe vibration while on final approach, prompting an emergency landing that resulted in substantial damage due to propeller pitch change knob failure.
What happened
The pilot reported experiencing a severe vibration while being vectored for final approach approximately five miles from the airport. In response to the mechanical issue, an emergency was declared, and the crew attempted to land at the airport. The aircraft touched down short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed the root cause of the vibration. Investigators found that the pitch change knobs on one propeller blade had failed. This mechanical failure is consistent with the severe vibrations reported by the pilot during the final approach phase.
Probable cause
Failure of the pitch change knobs on one propeller blade, which caused a severe vibration and led to an emergency landing short of the runway.
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