Flight Purpose
The flight was intended to test the airplane's radios. The pilot's wife participated from the airpark using a portable VHF radio.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's wife, the airplane orbited the airpark approximately five times before proceeding toward an area the pilot had previously identified to her as a possible forced landing area. The pilot then contacted her and reported a "problem with the propeller."
Four witnesses observed the airplane maneuvering at low altitude. They reported that the plane pulled up from near treetop level, then entered a descent, struck trees, crashed, and burned. One witness stated that the engine sounded as if it was running rough; another indicated that the engine power stopped before the airplane pitched nose down.
Examination Findings
No preimpact failure of the engine was found. Examination revealed that one of the two propeller blades had separated during the sequence. A bronze blade bushing for the separated blade was not located.
Toxicology Results
Tests for ethanol showed 0.03 gm% in the pilot's blood, 0.05 gm% in vitreous fluid, and 0.05 gm% in urine. Additionally, 32 mg/dL of acetaldehyde was detected in the pilot's blood.