RCU Forums - View Single Post - Props can and do explode
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Old 06-18-2010 | 01:27 PM
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Tired Old Man
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Default RE: Props can and do explode

No particular prop is the answer. I've been using the laminated PAU/Xoar props for quite some time and although excellent in rigidity and superior due to the number of laminations they can still fail. Over the past 6 months I've had a composite prop shatter while running in a test stand with a prop guard and several more carbon props from various makers delaminate to a dangerous level before discovery. An additional thought here to pass on is that all composite propellers will delaminate over time, so repetitive inspections of carbon props is something that must be performed.

Best not to trust any prop. Even the full scalers do a propeller check before every flight and end any thought of flight if defects are noted. Standing behind a propeller, and pointing the front of the plane away from co-flyers and spectators is the only sensible and relatively safe action regardless of the propeller used.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Ralph.