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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 18, 1993 · Zbacnick Challenger II Challenger · N851BZ

Alamogordo, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 18, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Alamogordo, NM
Aircraft
Zbacnick Challenger II Challenger
Tail Number
N851BZ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW93LA262

THE PROPELLER SEPARATED FROM THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT DUE TO THE SEIZURE OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT BEARING. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT DOWNWIND FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD THE PILOT OVERSHOT THE LANDING AREA AND THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE TOP OF A BERM AND BOUNCED. THE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE FROM THE WEST AT TEN KNOTS, GUSTING TO 17 KNOTS.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE SEIZURE OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT BEARING AND THE RESULTANT PROPELLER BLADE SEPARATION. FACTORS WERE THE UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN AVAILABLE FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On July 18, 1993, at 1030 mountain daylight time, a Zbacnick Challenger II homebuilt airplane, N851BZ, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Alamogordo, New Mexico, following the inflight separation of the propeller. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight. According to the pilot, a slight loss of RPM was experienced while maneuvering in the local area. The engine continued to operate normally after the throttle was advanced to reestablish normal power. The pilot further stated that approximately ten minutes later, a slight vibration developed, followed by the departure of the propeller assembly. While attempting to land on an open field, the pilot overshot the landing area and the airplane impacted the top of a berm at the end of the strip and bounced. Examination of the airplane revealed that the propeller bearing had seized resulting in the separation of the propeller. The winds at the time of the accident were from the west at ten knots, gusting to 17 knots. The wreckage was verbally released to the owner by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector at the accident site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftZbacnick Challenger II Challenger
Tail NumberN851BZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 48
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 10 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data