Incident Overview
During cruise flight at an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot of an experimental, pusher-engine, hull-configured amphibian reported that the aircraft sustained a separation of one or more propeller blades. In response to severe vibration, the pilot reduced power, which caused the engine to quit. With no other options, the pilot initiated an emergency landing to a clear area within an abandoned orange grove.
Impact and Damage
The aircraft collided with sand furrows and high vegetation during the landing, resulting in heavy damage to the airframe.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that two of the three composite propeller blades were missing. Additionally, the engine's left/front exhaust pipe was absent; only the attaching hardware at the exhaust port remained, along with a short stub exhibiting a 360-degree circumferential crack.
No further information was provided regarding the aircraft registration, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, or other environmental factors.