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Propeller Blade Separation Leads to Forced Landing and Nose-Over (N814JM)

Port Alsworth, AK, US

On August 6, 1995, a Piper PA-18-160 (registration N814JM) was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alsworth, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN IN-FLIGHT SEPARATION OF A PROPELLER BLADE, WHICH RESULTED IN A SEVERE VIBRATION, SHUTDOWN OF THE ENGINE, AND A FORCED LANDING IN ALDER BUSHES. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Approximately 9.5 inches of a propeller blade separated during cruise, causing severe vibration. The pilot shut down the engine and landed in alder bushes, resulting in the airplane nosing over. Records indicate a previous propeller strike had been repaired by straightening and cutting.

Incident Overview

During cruise flight, a section of approximately 9.5 inches from one of the propeller blades detached. The separation induced a severe vibration throughout the airplane. In response, the pilot reduced the throttle and moved the mixture control to the idle cut-off position, effectively shutting down the engine.

Emergency Landing

Following the engine shutdown, the pilot executed a forced landing into an area of alder bushes. Upon touchdown, the airplane nosed over.

Propeller History

Maintenance records documented that the propeller had previously sustained a strike. As part of the repair process, the propeller had been straightened and its length reduced to 80 inches.

Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 1995 Piper PA-18-160 accident near Port Alsworth, AK?

Approximately 9.5 inches of a propeller blade separated during cruise, causing severe vibration. The pilot shut down the engine and landed in alder bushes, resulting in the airplane nosing over. Records indicate a previous propeller strike had been repaired by straightening and cutting.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 1995 involved a Piper PA-18-160, registration N814JM, at Port Alsworth, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN IN-FLIGHT SEPARATION OF A PROPELLER BLADE, WHICH RESULTED IN A SEVERE VIBRATION, SHUTDOWN OF THE ENGINE, AND A FORCED LANDING IN ALDER BUSHES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04126. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.