Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER RETAINING BOLTS FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, WHICH RESULTED IN THE SEPARATION OF THE PROPELLER FROM THE ENGINE. THE RISING, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WAS A FACTOR.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On January 18, 1995, at 1515 eastern standard time, a Matto KR-2A Modified, N612W, collided with terrain during a forced landing near Boone, North Carolina. The private pilot was not injured, and the aircraft had substantial damage. The homebuilt, experimental aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight originated in Mountain City, Tennessee at 1415.
The pilot reported that the aircraft was in cruise flight, about 5,500 feet mean sea level, when the propeller separated from the engine. The pilot prepared for a forced landing. The aircraft was force landed on an open field, on rising, mountainous terrain. Structural damage to the airframe resulted. The propeller was not located.
The propeller flange, located on the engine crankshaft, had six holes for attaching the propeller. The ends of three bolts remained in the flange holes, and the heads were missing. The other three bolts were not located. The fracture surfaces of the located bolt ends exhibited a bright, crystalline appearance.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL95LA042