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October 2, 2003 · Bratton Experimental Homebuilt Swearingen SX300 · N301SX

Floresville, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 2, 2003
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Floresville, TX
Aircraft
Bratton Experimental Homebuilt Swearingen SX300
Tail Number
N301SX
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW04LA001

The pilot of an experimental homebuilt single-engine airplane impacted the ground during a forced landing following a loss of engine power due to separation of a propeller blade. The shank connecting the composite propeller to the hub was broken, and one of the three blades was missing from the hub.

NTSB Probable Cause

The separation of one propeller blade while in cruise flight. A factor contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On October 2, 2003, about 1109 central daylight time, a Bratton Swearingen SX300 experimental homebuilt single-engine airplane, N301SX, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground during a forced landing to an open field following a loss of engine power near Floresville, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the owner and operator of the airplane, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane departed the Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) near Corpus Christi, Texas. The flight's intended destination was the Gillespie County Airport (T82), near Fredericksburg, Texas. The 4,000-hour pilot, who was the owner and builder of the airplane, reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector that the aircraft was powered by a 300-horsepower Lycoming IO-540 engine, which was driving a 3 bladed composite propeller. According to information provided by the FAA inspector who responded to the accident site, one of the propeller blades came off while in cruise flight, and the pilot was able to shut the engine down. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that the shank connecting the composite propeller to the hub was broken, and one of the three blades was missing from the hub. The pilot/operator failed to provide the Safety Board with a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB 6120.1/2) form.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:09 CDT
Nearest AirportJohn B Connally Ranch Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBratton Experimental Homebuilt Swearingen SX300
Tail NumberN301SX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 79 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data