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In-Flight Propeller Separation on a Piper Navajo

20 nm north of the VOR, CA

On July 22, 1998, a Piper PA-31P C-GAFG operated by Aéro 3000 was involved in an aviation accident near 20 nm north of the VOR, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the propeller shaft-driven gear, caused by accelerated wear and fatigue from corrosion pitting resulting from a lack of proper corrosion prevention measures, led to the destruction of the propeller housing case and the in-flight separation of… This summary draws on records from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).

Sourcesthe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper Navajo (C-GAFG) lost its right propeller in flight due to a failed propeller shaft-driven gear. The TSB attributed the failure to corrosion pitting and accelerated wear, linked to a lack of proper corrosion prevention measures.

Incident Overview and Emergency Response On a commercial instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Ottawa, Ontario, to Syracuse, New York, a Piper Navajo (registration C-GAFG, serial number 31P-76) carrying five people experienced an in-flight emergency at 10,000 feet. The crew heard a loud, brief noise, and the co-pilot observed the right propeller detach from the engine and move upward and to the right without contacting the aircraft. A large amount of oil spread across the right wing. The crew executed emergency procedures, notified the Boston control center, and landed safely at Watertown airport with emergency equipment on standby.

Probable cause

The failure of the propeller shaft-driven gear, caused by accelerated wear and fatigue from corrosion pitting resulting from a lack of proper corrosion prevention measures, led to the destruction of the propeller housing case and the in-flight separation of the propeller.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jul 1998 Piper PA-31P C-GAFG accident near 20 nm north of the VOR, CA?

A Piper Navajo (C-GAFG) lost its right propeller in flight due to a failed propeller shaft-driven gear. The TSB attributed the failure to corrosion pitting and accelerated wear, linked to a lack of proper corrosion prevention measures.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jul 1998 Piper PA-31P C-GAFG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jul 1998 involved a Piper PA-31P C-GAFG, operated by Aéro 3000, at 20 nm north of the VOR, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the propeller shaft-driven gear, caused by accelerated wear and fatigue from corrosion pitting resulting from a lack of proper corrosion prevention measures, led to the destruction of the propeller housing case and the in-flight separation of the propeller.

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