On August 12, 1992, a Piper J-3 (registration N87945) operated by Kyle W. Knore was involved in an aviation accident near Portsmouth, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine vibration was due to wood propeller delamination over one blade leading edge and tip. Traces of rust were found on the wood where the metal inlay was attached with steel screws. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced severe engine vibration at 2,500 feet MSL due to wood propeller delamination and rust on the blade leading edge, prompting a forced landing in high vegetation.
Incident Description
A pilot reported encountering a sudden and severe vibration while flying at an altitude of 2,500 feet mean sea level. The vibration was so intense that the pilot feared it might cause the engine to separate from the aircraft. In response, the pilot shut down the engine and executed a forced landing in a field characterized by high vegetation.
Investigation Findings
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigated the incident and determined that the engine vibration originated from the propeller. Specifically, the wood propeller exhibited delamination along the leading edge and tip of one blade. Additionally, traces of rust were present on the wood in the area where a metal inlay was attached to the blade using steel screws. The propeller manufacturer confirmed that steel screws are standardly employed to secure the leading edge to the wooden blade.
Probable cause
The engine vibration was due to wood propeller delamination over one blade leading edge and tip. Traces of rust were found on the wood where the metal inlay was attached with steel screws.
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