Accident Details
A student pilot conducted his first solo flight departing from runway 15. During the initial climb, the engine experienced a severe vibration followed by a "very loud bang." The pilot executed a forced landing on a golf course located at the southeast end of the airport. During the landing roll, the airplane's right wing struck a small hill, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
After the landing, the pilot discovered that the entire propeller, propeller flange, and the forward end of the engine crankshaft were missing. These components were later located near the midpoint of the departure runway.
Investigation
An FAA airworthiness inspector reviewed the engine logbook and found that the accident engine had previously sustained two propeller strikes. The logbook did not reflect any inspection following those propeller strikes.
An NTSB metallurgical examination of the propeller flange assembly revealed multiple clamshell marks, which are typical of fatigue cracking. The engine is the subject of Lycoming Engine Service Letter L163C, which recommends that any engine involved in a sudden stoppage event be removed, disassembled, and inspected prior to being returned to service.