Another Icon A5 Accident -- This One Sinks After Prop Comes Apart

Location: Duluth, MN Accident Number: CEN20LA207
Date & Time: 06/03/2020, 1640 CDT Registration: N838BA
Aircraft: Icon A5 Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On June 3, 2020, about 1640 central daylight time, an ICON A5 amphibian airplane, N838BA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near the Sky Harbor Airport (DYT), Duluth, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he taxied on the water for takeoff. When facing into the wind, he applied full power and after about 5 seconds heard a huge bang. He shut down the engine, climbed out, looked back, and saw all 3 propeller blades were missing. At this point, the airplane started to sink. He and his passenger donned life jackets and evacuated the airplane.

Substantial damage was noted to the airplane's fuselage, when the propeller blades separated, resulting in holes in the structure, including the hull.

The airplane and engine were recovered and will be examined.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov