WOHNOUTKA STEVEN M TEAM Z MAX

Iowa, LA — July 4, 2009

Event Information

DateJuly 4, 2009
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN09CA510
Event ID20090810X34630
LocationIowa, LA
CountryUSA
Coordinates30.25028, -92.97195
AirportLight Plane Flyers Airfield
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeWOHNOUTKA STEVEN M
ModelTEAM Z MAX
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

A total loss of engine thrust during initial climb due to the failure of the airplane's propeller as a result of preexisting damage.

Full Narrative

During initial climb from the airfield, the airplane began to shake violently and the propeller broke apart. The non-certified pilot turned the airplane in an attempt to return to the airfield. The pilot was unable to land at the airfield and elected to perform a forced landing to an adjacent field. During the landing roll the airplane contacted a levee and nosed over, coming to rest in an inverted position. In an interview with Federal Aviation Administration inspectors, the pilot stated that he had recently installed an experimental propeller on the airplane and during a ground test run the propeller made an unusual sound and the pilot discovered a "nick" on the leading edge of one of the propeller blades. The pilot notified the manufacturer, who recommended that the pilot trim the propeller portions down. The pilot, who was neither a certified repairman nor the airplane's builder, performed maintenance on the airplane and propeller prior to flight.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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