2003-11-23: Beech H-18 — Matthew P. Kibler — Westminster, MD

Casualties unknown • Westminster, MD, US

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a failure of one propeller system. Factors in the accident were the failure to perform maintenance inspection and the failure of a bolt in the left propeller blade system.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

During the takeoff roll, about the time of rotation, the airplane yawed right and would not maintain altitude. The airplane cleared one ravine, and the pilot retarded the throttles to abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down in a grass area and came to rest at the bottom of a larger ravine. Examination of the wreckage revealed that a stud, which attached to the pitch change link in one of the left propeller blades, had separated. The last annual inspection of the airplane was performed about 4 years and 5 months prior to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-11-23 Beech H-18 accident near Westminster, MD?

During the takeoff roll, about the time of rotation, the airplane yawed right and would not maintain altitude. The airplane cleared one ravine, and the pilot retarded the throttles to abort the takeoff. The airplane touched down in a grass area and came to rest at the bottom of a larger ravine. Examination of the…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-11-23 involved a Beech H-18, registration N22XL, operated by Matthew P. Kibler, at Westminster, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after a failure of one propeller system. Factors in the accident were the failure to perform maintenance inspection and the failure of a bolt in the left propeller blade system.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031205X01999. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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