On September 22, 1995, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N38293) was involved in an aviation accident near Gustavus, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue cracking emanating from a nick on the leading edge of a propeller blade. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During climbout, an airplane experienced shaking and vibration. The pilot reduced power and returned to Gustavus Airport. Examination found a 4.5- to 5-inch section of a propeller blade had separated due to fatigue cracking from a leading-edge nick.
Incident Overview
During the climbout phase of flight, the airplane began to shake and vibrate. The pilot responded by reducing power and returning to Gustavus Airport, where the aircraft landed without further incident.
Examination Findings
Subsequent examination of the propeller revealed that a 4.5- to 5-inch segment of one propeller blade had separated. Metallurgical analysis identified fatigue cracking that originated from a nick on the leading edge of the blade. The hardness and composition of the propeller blade material were found to meet the design specifications.
Conclusion
The separation of the propeller blade was attributed to fatigue cracking stemming from a nick on the leading edge. No other issues were reported with the aircraft or its operation.
Probable cause
Fatigue cracking emanating from a nick on the leading edge of a propeller blade.
What happened in the 22 Sept 1995 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Gustavus, AK?
During climbout, an airplane experienced shaking and vibration. The pilot reduced power and returned to Gustavus Airport. Examination found a 4.5- to 5-inch section of a propeller blade had separated due to fatigue cracking from a leading-edge nick.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Sept 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N38293, at Gustavus, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fatigue cracking emanating from a nick on the leading edge of a propeller blade.
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