NTSB Identification: FTW02LA151

                              Accident occurred Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at Jonesboro, AR
                                    Aircraft:Nolan RV-4, registration: N437BN
                                          Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious.

 This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been
                                               completed.

On May 15, 2002, approximately 1738 central daylight time, a Nolan RV-4 homebuilt single-engine airplane impacted the terrain during an
uncontrolled descent near Jonesboro, Arkansas. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations
Part 91. The private pilot received fatal injuries, the passenger received serious injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual
meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The airplane departed a private airstrip approximately 1730. 

The FAA inspector, who responded to the site, found the main wreckage in an open field. The engine was found approximately 25 feet from the main
wreckage. One propeller blade was attached to the hub, and one propeller blade was separated from the hub. The cockpit was destroyed by the
post-impact ground fire.


Sounds like the prop blade separated and the engine was ripped out because
the motor mount failed.

Good idea to use a safety cable around your engine.

Paul Lamar
 
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