Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadequate overhaul of the propeller blade by the overhaul facility. Contributing to this accident was the rough and uneven terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting an aerial application swath run when 10 inches of a propeller blade separated. The pilot executed an emergency landing. On touchdown, the aircraft nosed over after colliding with the rough/uneven terrain. A metallurgical examination of propeller blade disclosed the presence of fatigue across 60% of the fractured surface. The origin of the fatigue centered on a notch of a previously reworked area. The propeller blade had accured 273 flight hours since it was overhauled.
Source record
Factual narrative
-