NTSB Factual Report

On September 2, 2001, about 1700 eastern daylight time, an experimental deHavilland DHC-94 Moth Minor, N9403, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Farmington, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, the airplane was being flown from Chicago, Illinois, to the Connellsville Airport (2G3), Connellsville, Pennsylvania. About 5 miles from 2G3, the pilot reduced power and began a decent. During the descent, the pilot heard a loud bang, and the airplane began to shutter violently. The pilot shut down the engine and slowed the airplane to stop the propeller from windmilling. A forced landing was then made to an up-sloping field. After the airplane touched down in the field, it encountered 1-foot high windrows. The right landing gear sheared from the fuselage and the airplane turned to the right. During the turn, the left landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that about 22 inches of one of the wooden propeller blades was missing. The inspector observed that the remaining portions of the propeller were painted with black paint, and that the wood was dry and brittle. Dark spots were also visible in the areas of the separation.

The airplane's last annual inspection was completed on May 25, 2001, and found to be "airworthy for flight operations" by a mechanic.

NTSB Probable Cause

The in-flight separation of a propeller blade, which resulted in a forced landing to unsuitable terrain. A factor related to the accident was the plowed field.