CEN19LA158

Factual narrative

On May 29, 2019, at 0845 central daylight time, a Boeing B75N1, N60955, was involved in an accident near Fredericksburg, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot/owner received serious injuries. The airplane was operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot, who was also the airplane owner, reported that he overflew the runway of a private airstrip but did not land because he believed the grass was too long. After overflying the airstrip, while the airplane was in a climb, the engine began to run rough and a forced landing was made in rough, uneven, terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage that included damage to the left wings, right wings, and fuselage. The pilot stated “we believe there was a mechanical malfunction in that one blade feathered possibly from improper torque on the bolts. We have [a] verbal statement from [the] previous owner that he changed the pitch on propeller. He is not [a] certified mechanic.” Post-accident examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller revealed no mechanical anomalies that would preclude normal airplane operation. At 0835, the Gillespie County Airport (T82), Fredericksburg, Texas, AWOS-3 recorded a temperature 75° F and a dewpoint of 66°. According to the icing probability chart contained within Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, atmospheric conditions were conducive for serious icing at glide power. It is unknown if the engine was at glide power or if the pilot had selected to use carburetor heat. The pilot was on approach to a private airstrip when the engine began to run rough. During the forced landing to rough terrain the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and the fuselage. After the accident the pilot stated that he suspected an uncommanded feather of the right propeller blade due to a maintenance issue. An examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. According to the icing probability chart contained within Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive for serious icing at glide power, which could result in a loss of power and/or a rough running engine. It is unknown if the engine was at glide power or if the pilot had selected to use carburetor heat. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-(general)-Not specified