Summary
During agricultural operations, one propeller blade moved to coarse pitch while the aircraft was flying at a height of 50 feet. Power was reduced, the load dumped and the pilot carried out a forced landing in a nearby paddock.
Investigation revealed that one counterweight roller bearing shaft had failed in fatigue across the split-pin hole. The split-pin hole is drilled close to where the bearing shaft exits the hub flange. The hub has now been modified to locate the split-pin in the threaded section at the opposite end of the shaft.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199300819 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 19/03/1993 |
| Location | Coleambally |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 30/08/1993 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Propeller/rotor malfunction |
| Occurrence class | Incident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Air Tractor Inc |
|---|---|
| Model | AT-301 |
| Registration | VH-JFA |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Coleambally NSW |
| Destination | Griffith NSW |
| Damage | Nil |