Primary finding
Probable cause
delamination of a propeller blade. A factor relating to the accident was: the terrain condition in the emergency landing area (soft/sandy berm and ditch).
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said the airplane was in cruise flight, when a severe vibration shook the airframe. He secured the engine and made a forced landing on a dirt road. During the landing roll, the left wheel contacted a soft sandy berm, pivoting the airplane to the left and into a ditch, where it nosed over. Postaccident examination disclosed that part of the propeller had delaminated.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 18, 1996, approximately 1400 mountain daylight time, a Hardy Quickie Q-200 amateur built airplane, N6NH, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Hudson, Colorado. The private pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at Watkins, Colorado, on August 18, 1996, approximately 1345. The following is based on a conversation between the pilot and an FAA inspector who went to the accident site, and the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report. The pilot said the aircraft was in cruise flight when a severe vibration shook the airframe. The pilot secured the engine and made a forced landing on a dirt road. During the landing roll, the left wheel contacted a soft sand berm, pivoting the airplane to the left and into a ditch where it nosed over. Postaccident examination disclosed part of the propeller had delaminated. According to the Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) for Denver International Airport, located approximately 9 miles south of the accident site, the wind was variable at 6 knots with gusts to 15 knots. -