Incident Overview

Date: Friday 19 May 2000
Aircraft Type: Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II
Owner/operator: Superior Aviation
Registration Number: N235BA
Location: Denver International Airport, CO (DEN) – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Take off
Status: Substantial, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Component Affected: Right engineRight engine
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A Swearingen SA226TC experienced an aborted takeoff at Denver International Airport, Colorado, due to a severe engine failure. The pilot advanced speed levers to high and increased torque, triggering a vibration and impact on the right engine. Upon observation, a propeller blade detached, indicating propeller fatigue due to stress corrosion.A Swearingen SA226TC experienced an aborted takeoff at Denver International Airport, Colorado, due to a severe engine failure. The pilot advanced speed levers to high and increased torque, triggering a vibration and impact on the right engine. Upon observation, a propeller blade detached, indicating propeller fatigue due to stress corrosion.

Description

The Swearingen SA226TC, N235BA, aborted takeoff at Denver International Airport, Colorado, USA, when the number two engine shed a propeller blade. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the pilot and sole occupant received minor injuries. The flight was cleared for takeoff on runway 35L. The pilot said he advanced the speed levers to high and brought the power levers to 800 foot-pounds of torque. As he was about to release the brakes to begin takeoff roll he felt an impact and noise like something hit the aircraft on the right side. He looked over at the right engine and observed it to be in a “severe state of vibration”. He secured the right engine, declared an emergency to the tower, and then secured the left engine. Following “spool down” the pilot exited the aircraft and observed that the right engine had shed a propeller blade about 10 inches outboard from the hub. Propeller blade fatigue failure due to stress corrosion.

Primary Cause

Propeller fatigue failure due to stress corrosion.Propeller fatigue failure due to stress corrosion.

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