Hi Mike
I would hesitate to fault the installation, I would suspect lack of maintanance. I will cut and paste a note from GSC that might help.
Dennis
ATTENTION: All owners of the GSC ground adjustable hardwood propellers, we, the manufacturer of the GSC propeller are imposing a TBO time on all our wooden ground adjustable propellers of either 5 years or 500 hours, whichever comes first.
We recommend that when this time has been reached, your propeller be returned to our factory for airworthiness inspection. Please contact our warehouse to get necessary information on shipping method required to return goods to us.
GSC SYSTEMS
6255 OKANAGAN LANDING ROAD
VERNON, BC VIH IMS CANADA
(250) 549-3772 PH
(250) 549-3769 FAX
OPERATING TIPS
ATTENTION: THESE TIPS MUST BE READ BEFORE OPERATION YOUR GSC PROPELLER
Ensure that installation instructions are followed precisely and that prop
attachment bolts are not torqued more than 100 in/lbs and a visible gap
between hub halves is necessary.
1. An initial visual inspection for cracks, nicks or any missing finish on the prop
and subsequent inspections before each flight are recommended.
2. On an annual basis or every 50 hours, inspect and check propeller attaching
bolts for tightness as well check that tracking and pitch are being maintained.
3. Do not use the propeller as a tow-bar to move your aircraft.
4. Avoid running-up in areas containing loose stones and gravel.
5. Place the propeller in a horizontal position when stored for lengthy periods.
Propellers should be rotated periodically when parked.
6. If your wooden propeller is stored in the elements, it is advisable that a
propeller sock be used. These socks should be a material that is both
waterproof not allowing rain to enter but breathable, not causing moisture to
be trapped under the sock.
7. GSC Propellers - TBO To maintain a like-new appearance, your propeller can be waxed periodically with an automotive wax. Clean prop first with a mild soapy solution.
8. Assume that your propeller is non-airworthy after any kind of impact until it
has been inspected by qualified personnel.
9. If your propeller begins to show any of the following damage, it should be
retired from service:
A deep cut across the wood grain
A long, wide or deep crack parallel to the grain
A separated lamination
An appreciable warp (discovered by inspection or through rough operation
An appreciable portion of wood missing
Obvious damage or wear beyond economical repair
A de-lamination of the leading edge protection
10. We hope that you have had a chance to go over all these stops and we encourage
you to follow these instructions sinfully as well as the assembly instructions to get
the best service from your GSC Systems propeller.
VERY IMPORTANT: If you are planning on selling your GSC prop, please
insure that operating tips and installation instructions accompany the prop. If
you are not the original owner of this prop, please contact the original owner
and check to see if operating tips and installation instructions were followed.
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