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July 5, 2002 · Bushby Aircraft Mustang M-11 · N30430

Pahrump, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 5, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pahrump, NV
Aircraft
Bushby Aircraft Mustang M-11
Tail Number
N30430
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA220

The experimental airplane experienced a propeller blade failure and separation during cruise flight, resulting in airframe damage due to the severity of the vibrations from the out of balance propeller. While approaching the proximity of the airport, the pilot lowered the nose, in an effort to begin a gradual descent. About 9,500 mean sea level, the engine began to violently shake. He set the throttle to idle, the mixture in the off position, turned off the master switch, and put the fuel selector in the "off" position. He looked for a place to land and spotted a dry lake below. He configured the airplane in a slip and landed successfully. Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that 21 inches of a propeller blade tip had separated from the propeller body. The pilot thought that the consequential imbalance resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The engine was left hanging by a 3/8-inch bolt. The propeller was a fixed pitch, aluminum two-bladed McCauley, part number 1A170/7074. The propeller had undergone a propeller strike prior to the accident, where it was shortened from 76 inches to 70 inches, and repitched.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure and separation of a propeller blade for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On July 5, 2002, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Bushby Mustang M-11, N30430, experienced a propeller blade failure and separation during cruise flight, resulting in a forced landing near Pahrump, Nevada. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial airframe damage due to the severity of the vibration from the out of balance propeller. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The personal cross-country flight originated from Apple Valley Airport, Apple Valley, California, about 1115, with a planned destination of Calvada Meadows Airport (NV74), Pahrump. In a written statement the pilot reported that he was approaching NV74 and reduced power. He lowered the nose, in an effort to begin a gradual decent. As the airplane gained speed, he reduced the power again. About 9,500 mean sea level, the engine began to violently shake. He set the throttle to idle, the mixture in the off position, turned off the master switch, and put the fuel selector in the "off" position. He looked for a place to land and spotted a dry lake below. He configured the airplane in a slip and descended. He landed successfully, with the airplane coming to rest about 32 miles south of NV74. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector stated that post accident examination of the airplane revealed that 21 inches of a propeller blade tip had separated from the propeller body. The pilot thought that the consequential imbalance resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The engine was left hanging by a 3/8-inch bolt. The propeller was a fixed pitch, aluminum two-bladed McCauley, part number 1A170/7074. It was noted that the propeller had undergone a propeller strike prior to the accident, where it was shortened from 76 inches to 70 inches, and repitched.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PDT
Nearest AirportCalvada Meadows Airport (32nm NNE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBushby Aircraft Mustang M-11
Tail NumberN30430
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-02B · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 46
Altimeter29.79 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data