Cessna R182 Skylane RG
Worn Hub Piston
Propeller was leaking oil, so it was removed and sent it off to be resealed. Prop shop discovered the piston had worn out of spec. Scoring was found on the inside of the piston where it rides on the guide. Wear marks were 180 degrees apart on the front and back. The piston was cocked while moving on the guide rod. Part replaced and prop was resealed.
Part total time: 800.0 hours
Cessna 402C
Hub Cracks
Pilot reported the left propeller control was unresponsive at climb out and returned. Maintenance inspected the left propeller and found cracks in the propeller hub at all three blade socket locations, up to 75 percent of their circumference. Propeller was removed for factory evaluation and operator has instituted a fleet-wide detailed visual inspection program.
Part total time: 14,530.0 hours
Cessna 421C Golden Eagle
Governor Failure, Overspeed
Right prop governor failed approaching level off. Engine spiked to over 6000 rpm, ruining it. Brought engine controls back to get engine rpm down. Prop would not feather; right engine still running somewhat. Firewalled left engine kept trying to make power with right engine. Descended at between 1500 and 1000 fpm all the way to the ground. Belly landed in a corn field a few miles short of the airport. Descent from initial runaway to the ground was nine minutes and 11,000 feet.
Part total time: 1166.0 hours
Piper J3 Cub
Broken Blade, Missing Spinner
Propeller had been in service since 2015. During initial climb after the tips were replaced, the pilot experienced severe engine vibration; he cut power and made a successful power-off landing on a road near the airport. No injuries or major damage. Minor portion of metal tipping and major portion of wood blade missing on one side. Spinner skull cap also missing (was present at takeoff).
Part total time: 100.0 hours
Piper PA-28-151
Propeller Tip Separation
During initial climb, the aircraft began to shake violently; the throttle and mixture retarded on their own. The pilot applied full power and rich mixture. The aircraft continued to shake but still made enough power to turn back to the airport. The pilot held the mixture and throttle full forward and was able to make the runway. Examination revealed a portion of an outboard tip of the propeller was missing. The missing portion of the propeller was not located. There were no defects noted during the pre-flight inspection.
Part total time: 3622.0 hours
