Accident Pitts S1C N48JP, Sunday 9 June 1991

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Date:	Sunday 9 June 1991
Time:	12:00 LT
Type:	Pitts S1C
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N48JP
MSN:	072
Engine model:	Lycoming O-360-A3A
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Houston, TX - United States of America
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
FOLLOWING A SERIES OF AEROBATIC MANEUVERS TO TEST THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEW TYPE OF COMPOSITE PROPELLER THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER. THE PROPELLER WAS ISSUED WITH A KIT THAT INCLUDED THE MOUNTING BOLTS. THE BOLTS PROVIDED WERE TOO LONG AND BOTTOMED OUT RESULTING IN NO TORQUE BEING APPLIED TO THE PROPELLER. THE PROPELLER WOBBLED, AND THE PROPELLER LAMINATIONS SEPARATED.

Probable Cause: THE FAILURE OF THE PROPELLER DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION.

Accident investigation: