Propeller Strap Incident Prompts Safety Recommendations
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has recommended stricter safety procedures following an incident in 2022 where a propeller strap punctured the fuselage of a plane taking off from Canberra Airport, injuring one passenger.
The incident occurred on November 10, 2022, when a Link Airways Saab took off from Canberra Airport. Passengers reported hearing a loud bang after the strap was thrown free of the propeller, becoming embedded in the plane's fuselage.
The ATSB investigation found that the flight's first officer failed to notice the strap was still attached before taking off. This resulted in cowling pins breaking free and entering the cabin, with a fragment striking the leg of a passenger and causing minor bruising.
The investigation also revealed that the guidance provided by Link Airways for training of Swissport ground dispatchers did not explain the appearance, function, and importance of the propeller straps. Additionally, the propeller strap did not have a visibility streamer fitted as per the manufacturer's design.
Despite the loud bang and the cabin manager alerting the flight crew of an emergency, the crew did not become aware of the damage to the plane until after landing.
Ensuring that propeller straps are properly secured before takeoff.
Equipping propeller straps with visibility streamers.
Providing adequate training to ground personnel on the importance of propeller straps.
Implementing procedures for inspecting aircraft for damage before takeoff.
These recommendations aim to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.