[Mark Hislop]

Jack:

Sorry about your bad luck.

I've had my Skymaster since 1996. I've only had one small nick in the rear prop in all that time. I've had much more wear and tear on the front prop. The rear prop still has all of it's original paint from the last overhaul on it. I have to touch up the leading edges and rear surfaces of the front prop every year at annual. And I only operate from paved runways.

I don't know of any mechanism to keep objects from exiting the rear engine and hitting the prop. Frankly, it's something that never occurred to me. After you problems, I think I'll keep a closer eye on any possible loose objects in the engine compartment.

Mark