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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 17, 1998 · Christopher Coats Challenger II Challenger · N132BC

Evergreen, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 17, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Evergreen, AL
Aircraft
Christopher Coats Challenger II Challenger
Tail Number
N132BC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL98LA031

The pilot reported that, while cruising at 1200 feet and about thirty minutes into the flight, the 'engine began to speed.' When the pilot reduced the throttle, he noticed that the propeller assembly had separated from the engine. The pilot selected an emergency landing area on the nearby Interstate highway. The right wing of the airplane collided with an overpass bridge as the pilot attempted to fly under the bridge during the forced landing. An examination of the airframe, at the accident site, confirmed that the propeller assembly had separated from the engine assembly. During the examination of the airframe, it was also noted that the six propeller retention bolts were not present with the engine. The propeller assembly and the six propeller retention bolts were not recovered for examination. According to the pilot, he assembled the airplane in accordance with the kit instructions. The propeller assembly was installed on the engine and secured with six 5/16 inch coarse threaded bolts provided.

NTSB Probable Cause

The undetermined failure of the propeller bolts that resulted in the inflight separation of the propeller assembly. A factor was the overpass bridge.

Full Narrative

On January 17, 1998, at 1500 central standard time, a Christopher Coats, Challenger II Experimental airplane, N132BC, collided with the ground during an emergency landing near Evergreen, Alabama. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. A review of weather data recovered from the nearest reporting facility, disclosed that visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the airplane received substantial structural damage. The private pilot was not injured. The flight departed Brewton, Alabama, at 1430. The pilot reported that, while cruising at 1200 feet, and about thirty minutes into the flight, the "engine began to speed." When the pilot reduced the throttle, he noticed that the propeller assembly had separated from the engine. The pilot selected an emergency landing area on Interstate 65.near mile marker 92.2. As the pilot maneuvered for an emergency landing on the heavily traveled highway, the right wing collided with an overpass bridge. The pilot stated that the collision occurred as he attempted to fly under the bridge. An examination of the airframe, at the accident site, confirmed that the propeller assembly had separated from the engine assembly. During the examination of the airframe, it was also noted that the six propeller retention bolts were not present with the engine. The propeller assembly and the six propeller retention bolts were not recovered for metallurgical analysis. According to the pilot, he assembled the airplane in accordance with the kit instructions. The propeller assembly was installed on the engine and secured with six 5/16 inch coarse threaded bolts provided in the kit. He further stated that the propeller retention bolts were tighten to ten foot pounds of torque.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChristopher Coats Challenger II Challenger
Tail NumberN132BC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 52
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data