www.brantly.info

How many owners on here have actually experienced blade cracking issues? If you did was it discovered on preflight or vibration during flight? Does any one know of an actual catastrophic blade failure/slinging accident on the B2? Certainly the R22 has had its share of blade woes!

Well I see this subject was previously covered under topic "blades" and got a couple responses. Important enough to rehash though if anyone has anything to add to it.

Over a two year period i had 4 x 202 blades crack severely. One had an in flight catastrophic failure involving approx 18inches at inboard end of outboard blade. Interesting landing! We also did in 6 dampers.

Brantly sent Chris Gerrard to NZ and we striped and rebuilt rotor head and installed new 404 blades. Done about 100 hrs since without problem. Chris reported verbally that rotor head had been reassemled incorrectly previously, out of phase sloppy rivets in pylons, etc etc. FAA are still investigating but Brantly have not yet provided a written report of Chris's findings.I know of a number of other cracking and at least one other in flight failure. Our CAA still has an open file.

Cracked blades were all 30 plus years old and all 202 blades. There is a suspicion that some or all may have been informally rebuilt.I have photos I can provide also more details.

Nick
in NZ

Nick,
Thanks for that info. Please provide us all the details and photos you can! Finding out stuff that has happened might well save someone's life at some point! Even as an experienced A&P/IA I have found owner groups to be the best source of real info on aircraft. Looking forward to seeing the photos and anything else you care to add.