Pilot Debrief

Icon A5 near Duluth, MN — 2020-06-03

Final reportCEN20LA207
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Date
2020-06-03
Location
Duluth, MN, USA
Airport
KDYT
Aircraft
Icon A5
Registration
N838BA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to remove an object from the airplane’s exterior, which impacted the propeller blades when he applied full power, causing them to fracture and damage the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot taxied the amphibian airplane downwind on the water for takeoff. When facing into the wind, he applied full power; about 5 seconds later, he heard a "loud bang." The propeller blades separated and penetrated the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane's fuselage. The pilot reported that, immediately before the accident flight, he had placed a portable speaker on the top of the airplane and did not recall removing the speaker before departure. The pilot stated, "the speaker must have rolled over the engine compartment and into the propellers." It is likely that the audio speaker, which was left on the airplane, struck the propeller blades, which resulted in the propeller blades separating from the propeller and penetrating the fuselage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for loose items before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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