Check those Metal Props!

[sj]

NTSB Urges Better Prop Inspections - AVweb

After investigating a few aluminum propeller failures, the NTSB has issued a Safety Alert and it’s particularly addressing backcountry pilots. “Aluminum propeller blades can be susceptible to fatigue cracking and fracture if a small nick, pit, or corrosion on the surface or edge is not found and...

www.avweb.com

 

[Waldo M]

One note on checking propeller blades for nicks; in addition to the leading edges, check the trailing edges as well.

I threw 11 inches off a three-bladed Hartzell propeller blade on a Twin Beech one night. The failure emanated from a very small but sharp nick on the trailing edge.

I still have that blade shank. The rest of it lies somewhere in the vicinity of Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

 

[Steve Pierce]

I carry a file in my tool bag but haven't had a need since switching to the ground adjustable Sensenich prop with the stainless steel leading edge.

 

[Waldo M]

Yup, started keeping a chainsaw file in my truck to dress any nicks in Hamilton Standard blades when I was a kid cropdusting. Although there is enough meat on a Ham Standard blade that you could probably use them for plough shares without worrying much.