USAF Identifies Likely Cause of C-130H Prop Cracks

The Air Force grounded some of the Hercules fleet last month, citing cracks in prop assemblies.

Wednesday, November 09, 2022 at 02:51 PM 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 U.S. Air Force grounded a portion of its C-130H Hercules fleet due to cracks discovered in older propeller barrel assemblies.
These cracks were likely caused by the standard use of electric arc etching pens to inscribe serial numbers on parts, a practice that has since been stopped.
The Air Force is implementing a multi-faceted recovery plan, including locating and refurbishing propeller barrel parts globally to expedite repairs and return aircraft to service.

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Electric arc etching pens were likely the cause of cracks in older propeller barrel assemblies that led the U.S. Air Force to ground a portion of its fleet of C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft last month, according to a report.

The cracks were discovered in early-October 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.