Casualties unknown

Propeller Blade Separation Found After Emergency Landing on Tundra (N723C)

Ekwok, AK, US

On September 30, 2002, a Piper PA-18 (registration N723C) operated by Michael P. Mccrary was involved in an aviation accident near Ekwok, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A partial separation of one propeller blade during cruise flight. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot on a personal flight experienced severe vibration at 700 ft AGL, shut down the engine, and landed on tundra. The airplane nosed over during landing roll, damaging the air intake housing. Post-landing inspection revealed a 10-inch chordwise separation of one propeller blade.

Incident Summary

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight. While cruising at about 700 feet above ground level, the airplane suddenly developed a severe vibration. The pilot responded by reducing engine power to idle and then shutting down the engine. He subsequently performed an emergency landing on tundra-covered terrain.

Post-Landing Inspection

During the landing roll, the airplane nosed down, resulting in damage to the air intake housing. After the emergency landing, the pilot discovered that approximately 10 inches of one propeller blade had separated from the rest of the blade. He described the separation as a straight chordwise fracture. The only reported damage was to the air intake housing and the separated propeller blade.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021010X05311. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.