On July 22, 1993, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N3650U) was involved in an aviation accident near Garner, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: TOTAL FAILURE OF ONE PROPELLER BLADE. FACTORS WERE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE ENGINE DURING THE FORCED LANDING, DESPITE THE PILOT'S EFFORTS TO SHUT IT DOWN, AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aerial application aircraft experienced a loud bang and severe engine vibration after a spray run. During forced landing, the pilot could not decelerate, and the airplane struck trees before ground impact. Investigation revealed a 20-inch propeller blade section had separated in flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot of an aerial application aircraft had just completed a spray run over a cultivated field when a loud 'bang' was heard, followed by severe engine vibration. The pilot initiated a forced landing but was unable to secure the engine, preventing deceleration. The airplane subsequently flew into trees approximately 20 feet above ground level before impacting the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft disclosed that a 20-inch section of one of the propeller blades had separated in flight. No other details regarding the aircraft, pilot, or environment were provided in the source.