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Casualties unknown

Severe Vibration Prompts Engine Shutdown and Field Landing (N36354)

Fremont, CA, US

On March 23, 1996, a Taylorcraft DC-65 (registration N36354) operated by Amelia Reid Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Fremont, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the in-flight separation of a portion of one wooden propeller blade due to undetected dry rot in the wood fibers. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise, a sudden severe vibration led to engine shutdown. The pilot landed in a field but could not stop before entering a ravine. A mechanic later found dry rot in the remaining blade section.

Incident

According to the flight instructor, the aircraft was in cruise flight when a sudden severe vibration propagated through the airframe. In response, the pilot shut down the engine. Post-shutdown inspection revealed that the brass abrasion strip and a portion of one wooden propeller blade had separated from the assembly.

Landing

The pilot executed an emergency landing in a field. However, the aircraft could not be brought to a stop before it traveled down an embankment and into a ravine.

Recovery

An airframe and powerplant mechanic who recovered the aircraft reported observing evidence of dry rot in the remaining wooden blade section. No other conditions or causes were identified during recovery.

Structural failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Mar 1996 Taylorcraft DC-65 accident near Fremont, CA?

During cruise, a sudden severe vibration led to engine shutdown. The pilot landed in a field but could not stop before entering a ravine. A mechanic later found dry rot in the remaining blade section.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Mar 1996 involved a Taylorcraft DC-65, registration N36354, operated by Amelia Reid Aviation, at Fremont, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the in-flight separation of a portion of one wooden propeller blade due to undetected dry rot in the wood fibers.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05433. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.