Accident Details
On July 16, 2019, at approximately 1300 central daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Pietenpol Big Piet airplane, registration N973BP, was substantially damaged during a landing accident at Jackson County Airport (1A7) in Gainesboro, Tennessee. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that about two hours into the flight, the airplane experienced a vibration. He decided to land at the nearest airport, Jackson County, and investigate the problem. However, as soon as he turned toward the airport, a section of the propeller departed from the airplane. The engine then began to "tear itself loose," prompting him to shut down the engine. The pilot configured the airplane for best glide speed and aimed for the runway. Due to an increase in headwind, the airplane landed hard short of the runway, causing the landing gear to split and the lower longerons to buckle. The airplane subsequently slid into the airport perimeter fence.
Damage and Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane and found damage to the leading edge of the left wing. The fuselage frame was bent severely enough to restrict movement of the fuel shutoff linkage. The aluminum propeller spinner was not located at the accident site.
Propeller Investigation
The airplane was equipped with a Culver two-bladed wood propeller. The spinner cap, which was unpainted and attached to the propeller via a bracket secured to the propeller bolt holes, was held in place by a single screw. The propeller was sent to the manufacturer for further investigation. Examination revealed that a section of the propeller was missing at the tip, with fibers bent backward and a crack radiating from the location of the missing piece toward the hub. This damage was consistent with contact from an unidentified object.