Prop Cracks Prompt Air Force To Ground Some C-130H Cargo Transports

The cracks in the propeller assembly were discovered after a technician noticed a persistent leak on a C-130H propeller, the Air Force said.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, October 04, 2022 at 10:53 AM ET

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C-130H Hercules are capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and are the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The Air Force has grounded some C-130 Hercules cargo transports due to the discovery of cracks in older propeller barrel assemblies.
A technician initially found a crack on a C-130H propeller, leading to wider inspections and an immediate technical order for the replacement of specific suspect propellers.
The grounding primarily affects C-130H aircraft equipped with older 54H60 propellers, potentially impacting up to 116 aircraft, while C-130s with upgraded NP2000 propellers and all C-130J models are unaffected.

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The Air Force has grounded some of its C-130 Hercules cargo transports after cracks were discovered in older propeller barrel assemblies, according to Air Mobility Command officials.

The cracks were discovered by a technician at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (KWRB), Georgia, who noticed a persistent leak on a C-130H propeller during a post-depot operation engine run check.