Accident Details
A cargo flight from Dayton, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, was operating at night when one or two propeller blades detached from the engine. The pilot notified air traffic control of the situation. Due to severe vibrations caused by the imbalance, the pilot was compelled to reduce altitude and attempt an emergency landing. The twin-engine airplane crashed during the forced landing and was destroyed upon impact. The sole occupant, the pilot, sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an engine propeller tearaway during normal cruise, resulting from nicked blades and fatigue fractures. This led to the separation in flight and consequent excessive vibrations.