What happened
During an aborted takeoff on runway 31C, the pilot reported following a taxi line until aligning with a white line. As partial power was applied, the pilot observed what appeared to be a black cube on the runway. This was followed by an audible "whump" and a buzzing sound, though the pilot noted no felt yaw or adverse effects on the aircraft's handling. Following the incident, the pilot aborted the takeoff and taxied to the parking ramp, where propeller damage was discovered.
The investigation
A runway inspection conducted after the event identified a damaged directional sign and a runway light located on the northeast shoulder of runway 31C, positioned prior to the runway's displaced threshold.
The investigation found that near the Foxtrot taxiway, two taxiway centerline markings branched out from and were situated north of the lead-in line for the runway 31C centerline. These markings were located on the approach side of the displaced threshold bar and crossed the solid white northeast runway side stripe. Additionally, the shoulder of runway 31C at the site of the incident lacked shoulder markings. According to Advisory Circular 150/5340-1H, such markings are intended to delineate unusable pavement when pilots encounter difficulties identifying the runway edge from the shoulder.