Loose blades found in annual

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Scottsware
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Loose blades found in annual

Post by Scottsware »

My blades were loose!!

The two bladed Hertzell Scimitar prop was rebuilt in 2016. Maybe flown 100 between then and December 2018. Since then we have put 400 hours tach on the plane.

Here is a video. I must confess I wasn’t checking for this on the preflight.

https://wittywritters.com/pics/IMG_0252.MOV
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Don
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by Don »

Thanks for posting. I have the same prop and will now start checking mine during preflight. Currently, I just check it for dings.
That said, you might want to send video to Hartzell and get an opinion from them.
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pietromarx
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by pietromarx »

This is the composite scimitar? I admit that's one of the most terrifying videos I've seen recently!
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smoss
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by smoss »

Agree, very scary video!
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BRS
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by BRS »

Yes, scary indeed.
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Steve
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by Steve »

Yikes! I have the three blade MT prop, and always check for blade movement during Preflight (it is on the checklist in the POH).
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Scottsware
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by Scottsware »

It is the composite prop. Good idea about asking Hertzell. I just sent them a link of the video and asked their opinion on the video.
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Lance Murray
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by Lance Murray »

Did Hartzell respond?
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Scottsware
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by Scottsware »

No response from Hartzell. The prop is still in the prop shop here in a Denver. I’m not sure for how much longer.

My mechanic said some about seals and a pre-charge.

I’m hoping for a better understanding when the comes back.
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Re: Loose blades found in annual

Post by Lance Murray »

I have seen similar blade looseness in many different types. I don’t think it is too uncommon. Every time I wrote up the propeller blades the mechanic responded that the blades where within limits.
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