Beechcraft C18S crash, May 23, 1999 (1 killed), Waldron
Beechcraft C18S accident on May 23, 1999 near Waldron, Arkansas, United States with 1 fatality. Cause: Separation of a propeller blade in cruise flight...
- Date: May 23, 1999
- Aircraft: Beechcraft C18S
- Location: Waldron, Arkansas, United States
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Separation of a propeller blade in cruise flight due to fatigue cracking from surface corrosion pitting; the airworthiness directive inspections did not cover the failure location.
A Beechcraft C18S was on a cross-country flight when the right propeller lost a blade in cruise. The pilot turned back toward the nearest airport, but the airplane struck trees about a mile short of the runway and the pilot was killed. The blade had failed from fatigue cracking that started at corrosion pits, and the propeller had not been overhauled in eight years.