What happened
On March 22, 2017, at approximately 10:30 LMT, a Czech Sport Aircraft PS-28 Sport Cruiser was being prepared for a training flight at the Depułtycze Królewskie (EPCD) aerodrome. The flight was intended to serve as a type rating training session for a pilot instructor. During the standard preflight inspection, the pilot identified damage to the composite tip of the propeller blade, specifically noting a delamination.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, examined the circumstances surrounding the propeller damage. The inquiry focused on the nature of the composite failure and the environmental conditions present at the time of the inspection.
Findings
- The most probable cause of the damage was contact between the rotating propeller tip and a small, hard object, such as a stone or ice.
- The operation of the aircraft in winter conditions acted as a contributing factor to the incident.