Pilot Debrief

GN-1 AIRCAMPER MATHES near Burlington, WI — 2012-08-11

Final reportCEN12LA539
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Date
2012-08-11
Location
Burlington, WI, USA
Aircraft
GN-1 AIRCAMPER MATHES
Registration
N31TM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot's improper installation of the propeller bolts, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the propeller.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a local flight during which the airplane experienced an in-flight separation of the propeller. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a field that resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the pilot installed the propeller bolts backwards. The bolts were also found to be improperly torqued.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have properly torqued propeller bolts before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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