Probable cause
The in-flight separation of the tip of a propeller blade due to metal fatigue that resulted from an inadequate inspection and repair.
NTSB analysis
The twin-engine airplane sustained substantial damage due to a separated propeller blade tip impacting the airplane's nose during cruise. The tip separation exhibited signs of fatigue failure. Witness marks consistent with tool file marks made during a leading edge repair were found at the area of the origin of fatigue. According to maintenance information published by the propeller manufacturer, a 10x magnifying glass should be used to examine repairs to ensure damage, file marks, and any course surface finish are removed prior to returning the propeller back to service.. The airplane accumulated a total time of 1,997 hours.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08LA160 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 8, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Battle Creek, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- W K Kellogg (BTL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-44-180
- N-number
- N159WM
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.