Arizona Aviation Attorneys

Engine and Propeller Teardown Examinations

The engines were shipped in June 2000 to Honeywell Engines & Systems in Phoenix, Arizona, for a teardown inspection and evaluation under Safety Board supervision. Propeller assemblies were shipped to Dowty Aerospace Propellers in Sterling, Virginia, and were disassembled and examined under Safety Board supervision during the same period.

The No. 1 engine showed rotational scoring between various rotating and static components, as well as metal spray on the turbine blades and vanes. The No. 2 engine was heavily fire damaged and exhibited no rotational scoring between rotating and static components. Static impact marks were observed on the compressor impeller shrouds, and neither the turbine blades nor vanes exhibited any signs of metal spray.

Disassembly of the left engine propeller hub revealed witness marks on the butts of three out of the four blades that were consistent with blade angles between 28° and 40°. The remaining blade revealed indications on the butts of two adjacent blades consistent with blade angles of approximately 80_. A feathered propeller is consistent with a minimum drag angle of 82°. The remaining two blades showed no discernible impact marks.

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