Propeller Overspeed Leads to Crash into House Near Willoughby-Cuyahoga County Airport (N7672L)

Accident Sequence

While approaching Willoughby-Cuyahoga County Airport during night conditions, one of the propellers on the aircraft experienced an overspeed. The pilot subsequently lost control of the airplane, which stalled and crashed into a house located a few miles short of the runway. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact. All four occupants of the airplane—pilot Elmer Holomok Jr. and passengers Charles Kinzig, Mr. Cecil Kopperman, and Mrs. Cecil Kopperman—were killed. Two residents of the house, Mr. John Macek and Mrs. John Macek, were also killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: Loss of control on final following a propeller failure. The following factors were reported: Improper operation of powerplant and powerplant controls; inadequate inspection of aircraft on the part of the maintenance personnel; inadequate inspection of aircraft on the part of the pilot/owner; failure of propeller and accessories; RPM uncontrollable and overspeed; failure to maintain flying speed; suspected mechanical discrepancy; Schrader valve cap and stem were missing; no aircharge in cylinder.