Originally Posted by
hargreaves99
I can't imagine any 206 operators are using Van Horn blades now
That is definitely not correct. I work for what I have to believe is the largest US operator of 206L aircraft, and many if not most have VH main blades. They don’t disassemble in flight just for having VH blades.
My guess (based on conversations with A&Ps much smarter than myself), is fatigue cracks at station 145 that went undetected, likely accelerated by the conditions that tours are typically flown. Lap after lap of taking off at or near mtow, firm plants back at the pad, day after day. Could the VH hop be exacerbating this weakness? Possibly, but the problem is already there.