Monday the 26th of January, 2026

NTSB Final Report: Piper PA-28-140

Flight Instructor Detected A Vibration; Shortly Thereafter He Heard A Loud Bang, The Engine Lost Total Power

Location: Royal Kunia, Hawaii Accident Number: ANC25LA028
Date & Time: March 27, 2025, 12:00 Local Registration: N261FC
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-140 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Part(s) separation from AC Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

Analysis: During an instructional flight, the flight instructor detected a vibration; shortly thereafter he heard a loud bang, the engine lost total power, and the nose dropped. He performed a forced landing to a heavily vegetated field.

After landing, the flight instructor noticed that the propeller was missing. It was later found in a nearby residence; no one was injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage.

Examination of the separated propeller revealed that the engine crankshaft had fractured and separated just aft of the crankshaft propeller flange (CPF). This flange is an integral part of the crankshaft and is where the propeller attaches to the engine; however, the CPF was found attached to the separated propeller and not the crankshaft where it belonged. The CPF was removed from the propeller and examined by an NTSB metallurgist to determine why the crankshaft had fractured and separated. The examination revealed that the CPF had been improperly modified by the drilling and installation of additional bolts. Investigators were unable to determine the purpose for the modification, when it was made, or by whom.

Available maintenance records did not include any entries noting that the propeller assembly had been removed or altered since initial installation. Additionally, there are no Lycoming maintenance instructions, repair instructions, or service bulletins that permit hole drilling and filling of the CPF.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- Improper alteration of the crankshaft propeller flange at an unknown time, which resulted in an in-flight separation of the propeller assembly.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

 

 

NTSB Prelim: Evektor - Aerotechnik A S Sportstar Max

Without Warning, The Airplane Began Vibrating Violently And The Control Sticks Moved Rapidly To Their Forward And Aft Limits Several

Location: Needles, CA Accident Number: WPR26LA073
Date & Time: December 27, 2025, 11:09 Local Registration: N2312T
Aircraft: Evektor - Aerotechnik A S Sportstar Max Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On December 27, 2025, about 1109 Pacific standard time, an Evektor-Aerotechnik AS Sportstar Max LSA airplane, N2312T, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Needles, California. The pilot and pilot rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that while operating in cruise flight about 6,500 ft mean sea level (msl) to Lake Havasu City Airport (HII), Lake Havasu City, Arizona, all flight instruments and engine parameters were within normal operating ranges. Without warning, the airplane began vibrating violently and the control sticks moved rapidly to their forward and aft limits several.

The engine RPM decreased, the vibrations simultaneously subsided and after about 15 seconds the pilot regained the ability to manipulate the control stick. The passenger observed that one of the three propeller blades had departed the propeller hub, and the pilot initiated a forced landing on runway 02 at Needles Airport (EED), Needles, California.

Post-flight inspection of the engine revealed substantial damage to the upper left engine mount which separated from the firewall. The propeller hub was fracture-separated at the blade grip. The blade grip material and the four blade retention bolts were liberated from the hub.

The airplane was recovered to a secure area for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

 

 

NTSB Prelim: Mark Strout Zenair Zodiac 601HDS

There Were “No Abnormal Noises, Vibrations Or Power Deviations” Prior To The Loss Of Engine Power

Location: Connerton, FL Accident Number: ERA25LA327
Date & Time: September 1, 2025, 16:05 Local Registration: N680LM
Aircraft: Mark Strout Zenair Zodiac 601HDS Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 01, 2025 about 1605 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Zenith Zodiac 601 HDS, N680LM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Connerton, Florida. The pilot and the passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he planned to provide rides to four relatives, each on a separate 15-minute flight with a departure from and return to Pilot Country Airport (X05), Brooksville, Florida. In preparation for these flights, the pilot purchased 3 gallons of 89 octane automotive fuel. After he added the fuel, he estimated the airplane's total fuel to be 9.8 gallons prior to the first flight. Before the passengers arrived, the pilot performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and did not notice any abnormalities. On the first two flights, the pilot noted normal engine performance, including normal temperature and pressure readings. The first flight’s duration was 16 minutes, while the second was 12 minutes.

The pilot estimated that the total fuel onboard for the accident flight was 6 to 7 gallons. The pilot stated that the airplane’s cruise fuel consumption was 3.8 to 4.0 gallons per hour (gph), and that the 4 gallons of fuel was sufficient for the upcoming 15-minute flight. The pilot departed on the third flight at 1601. He did not notice anything abnormal during the ground roll or with the initial climb rate. About 420 ft above ground level (agl), the pilot reported “the engine suddenly stopped without any warning.” He further explained there were “no abnormal noises, vibrations or power deviations” prior to the loss of engine power.

He then adjusted the airplane’s pitch attitude for best glide speed, turned into the wind and prepared for an off-field landing. The pilot attempted to restart the engine twice but was unsuccessful, though he did note that the starter was functioning during these attempts. He then performed a forced landing in a nearby field. During the landing sequence, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot was able to self-extricate, then helped his passenger through the airplane’s shattered canopy.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the wreckage at the scene of the accident and observed substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage and rudder of the airplane. Fuel was found in both wing tanks and the fuselage-mounted tank. The header tank was not examined.

The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov