What happened
On October 2, 2025, at approximately 10:50 Pacific daylight time, a SIAI-MARCHETTI SM 1019, registration N3172U, was involved in an accident near Richland, Washington. The aircraft was being operated by D & D AIRPARK LLC as a Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot departed Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, Washington, for a local flight. Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, the pilot observed uncommanded engine RPM oscillations and elected to perform a precautionary landing at Richland Airport (RLD).
During the downwind leg for runway 19, the pilot attempted to move the condition lever forward, but the propeller appeared to move unsolicited from beta to flight idle. Attempting to return the propeller from beta to flight idle caused the engine RPM oscillations to increase significantly. As the aircraft turned onto final approach for runway 19, the oscillations became more erratic. The pilot reported that when the propeller entered the beta range, the airspeed dropped below the aircraft's stall speed, causing the occupants to be thrown forward in their seats. In response, the pilot lowered the nose and added power; however, any slight increase in the power control lever resulted in an extreme increase in engine RPM and an upward pitch of the aircraft nose. The pilot subsequently deployed 15° of flaps and slowed the aircraft to approximately 50 knots.
Upon touchdown, the landing roll proceeded normally for about 50 feet. When the pilot applied the brakes, the engine RPM increased, causing the aircraft to become airborne again. The aircraft then turned left and experienced a hard touchdown, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear. The aircraft exited the left side of the runway and came to rest upright. There were no injuries to the pilot or passenger.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the N3172U revealed substantial damage to the right wing. The aircraft was moved to a secure location for further examination.