Gary Walsh has asked me to post this on the Europa list to help publicise a
potential problem with early NSI Cap140 props on a Rotax 912S. The story
and pictures on his web site are well worth a look if you think it may apply
to you, and should also be seen by anyone who thinks the PFA are being fussy
when they insist on the approval of every engine/prop combination.
Mike
Europa Club Safety Officer
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Dear Europa Owners
I fly a Kitfox with a Rotax 912S, and until recently a NSI CAP 140
adjustable prop. Three months ago I had an in flight failure whereby the
prop failed and a blade departed. I got the airplane down safely, but there
was significant damage to the engine mount, oil and exhaust systems, and one
of my amphibious floats.
---From discussions with others, I learned of a similar incident with a Europa
in 2002 after that owner upgraded his engine to the 912S. In that case a
crack was discovered before it failed completely, and the blade cuff was
returned to the manufacturer and upgraded. This appears to have solved the
problem when running the prop on the 912S (at least the owner has
accumulated 500 hours with no reported problem). This upgrade has been
available for several years now, however the manufacturer has made no
attempt to let their customers know about it.
If you are running a CAP 140 prop, I suggest you contact the manufacturer as
soon as possible. If you are running that prop on the 912S, I would suggest
that you ground the aircraft until you can determine what version of the
cuff you have.
Anyone who wants details can look to my web site. I have copies of a lab
report that documents the failure of my prop, and a copy of the PFA notice
about the incident on the Europa in 2002.
I can be contacted via email at ..
kitfoxjunky@decisionlabs.com
Gary Walsh
C-GOOT
www.decisionlabs.com/kitfox
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