Casualties unknown

Engine Malfunction and Propeller Feathering Failure Prompt Off-Airport Landing (N70CB)

Laurens, SC, US

On June 4, 1994, a Beech E18S (registration N70CB) operated by Melendez, Jesus was involved in an aviation accident near Laurens, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON ONE ENGINE FOLLOWED BY FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER TO FEATHER OR BE FEATHERED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb after takeoff, the right engine malfunctioned and the propeller failed to feather. The airplane executed an off-airport landing and sustained damage. The owner later removed it for examination under inspector authorization, but the operator was unreachable and did not file a report.

Incident Overview

During the initial climb after takeoff, the right engine of the airplane experienced a malfunction. Subsequently, the propeller failed to feather as intended. In response, the pilot performed an off-airport landing. The landing resulted in damage to the aircraft.

Engine Malfunction

The source reports that the right engine malfunctioned during the initial climb phase. No further details about the nature of the malfunction are provided.

Propeller Failure

Following the engine malfunction, the propeller did not feather. Feathering is a procedure to reduce drag from a non-operating propeller. The failure to feather compounded the situation.

Landing and Damage

The airplane made an off-airport landing, meaning it did not land on a designated runway. The landing caused damage to the aircraft, though specific details about the extent or type of damage are not specified.

Post-Accident Actions

An inspector authorized the owner to remove the airplane to the owner's home base for examination of the engine. However, after this authorization, the operator could not be contacted and did not provide a report of the accident to the authorities. The lack of a report leaves some details unknown.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01428. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.