Interagency Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletin 24-06 sUAS Parrot Anafi Propeller Blades

· DOI Office of Aviation Services · 2024

Public domain · DOI Office of Aviation ServicesAviation Safety Documents

Overview

The Interagency Aviation Accident Prevention Bulletin 24-06 sUAS Parrot Anafi Propeller Blades () is a public-domain DOI Office of Aviation Services aviation safety document, republished here as a free chaptered HTML edition with a linked table of contents and the official PDF.

Publisher: DOI Office of Aviation Services
Document
Year: 2024
Pages: 2

Key points

Three propeller separation events occurred with the Parrot Anafi sUAS during a recent workshop.
Two of the separation events resulted in no damage, while one caused a fracture on the sUAS.
Participants conducted thorough inspections of the propellers after the events, finding additional cracks and chips.
Cracks and separation of propeller blades on the Parrot Anafi are common, emphasizing the need for thorough preflight and post-flight inspections.
Inspectors should look for visible damage, run a fingernail along the blade surface, and check for discoloration or texture changes.

Frequently asked questions

What incidents occurred with the Parrot Anafi sUAS?

Three propeller separation events were reported during a workshop, with one causing damage to the sUAS.

What should be done after discovering propeller damage?

If damage is found, the propellers should be replaced, and the sUAS should be inspected before continuing operations.

How can operators ensure the safety of their Parrot Anafi sUAS?

Operators should conduct thorough preflight and post-flight inspections, looking for cracks, chips, and other signs of damage.

What specific signs of damage should be inspected on the propellers?

Inspectors should look for visible cracks, chips, discoloration, and changes in texture on the propellers.

What is the importance of regular inspections for the Anafi fleet?

Regular thorough inspections are crucial for ensuring the longevity and safe operation of the Anafi fleet.

Document

OAS-43A (12/12)

Interagency Aviation

Accident Prevention Bulletin

No. IA APB 24-06 July 2 9 , 2024 Page 1 of 2 Subject : sUAS Parrot Anafi Propeller Blades Area of Concern: Flight Safety Distribution: All Aviation Operations Discussion: During a recent A-450 , Small UAS Basic Remote Pilot Course and Mapping Workshop, three propeller separation events occurred with Anafi sUAS. Two resulted in no damage. The propellers were replaced, the sUAS was inspected, and operations continued. The third resulted in a fracture covering the front left arm of the sUAS. SAFECOM 24-0477 was submitted to report the events and hazards . Following these events, the participants in the workshop inspected the propellers with increased scrutiny. Additional propellers were removed and replaced after finding cracks or chips.

P hoto 1 and 2 below illustrate the damage that was discovered. Photo #1 illustrates a visible crack in the hub (gray line). Photo #2 shows a chip out of the propeller hub. Photo #3 shows a crack in the blade (dark line in the trailing edge). Photo #4 is a propeller that departed and was recovered.

Crack in prop hub Chip in prop hub Photo #2 Photo #1 No. IA APB 24-06 July 29 , 2024 Page 2 of 2 Crack in the blade Broken prop hub Photo #3 Photo #4 Propeller blade cracks and separation on the Parrot Anafi have become a common occurrence and highlight the importance of thorough preflight and post-flight inspections to minimize the risk associated with the use of these sUAS. The damage may not be obvious until a closer inspection is conducted. Ensure you’re examining the entire surface of the blade for any signs of damage. This can be done both by visually inspecting the blade for small cracks and fractures as well as running a fingernail along the surface to feel for any imperfections. It’s also important to check for discoloration or changes in texture that might indicate a crack. Regular thorough inspections are a key to ensuring the longevity of our Anafi Fleet.

/s/ Keith Raley /s/ Lori Clark Keith Raley Lori Clark Chief, Aviation Safety, Training, Program Branch Chief Evaluation, and Quality Management Aviation Safety Management Systems DOI, Office of Aviation Services USDA, Forest Service