Scott, I can't see how. The engine easily hauled the 21"x10 woodie hybrid turning just about 7k on avgas. It sounded happy. But I only ran it briefly then switched to the lower load.
A couple years ago i had also tried a 19x13 woodie hybrid with wider blades and the engine met its match there, bogging down to around 6500 and running hotter than normal. Too much load and definitely more than my 21x10 hybrid. Wasn't happy and you can tell. My 21x10 is a true narrow blade design.
I think Ken is right. When I installed the new set of clips I probably didn't seat them properly. I don't buy what Hobby Services said about the bearings being bad with shrapnel in them.
Yeah , it was just a thought Matt.
I doubt the circlip theory. Even though I do insert these circlips the way Ken said, they wouldn't just come out if put in the other way 'round. Even with excessive force, the circlip wouldn't come out without there being visible damage to the circlip groove, unless it wasn't inserted into the groove properly, or the groove isn't deep enough which would be unlikely.
After I insert circlips, I always squeeze together slightly and turn it. If it's seated properly, it will turn easily. if not, then it won't turn.
Still a very strange failure though.