Incident Summary
During the takeoff phase of flight, the airline transport pilot-in-command aborted the takeoff when a propeller blade from the right engine separated from the right propeller system. The pilot acted promptly, and the takeoff was discontinued. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or date are included in the source. No injuries or damage were reported.
Investigation Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board's Materials Laboratory Division examined the failed propeller hub. The analysis revealed that the propeller hub arm sustained a fracture due to preexisting fatigue cracking. The fatigue crack originated in the bearing retention radius, and was caused by polishing and wear of that radius. The wear resulted from contact between the radius and the split rings. The crack propagated over time until the hub arm failed, leading to the separation of the propeller blade. The investigation did not identify any other causal factors.