Bird strike?

[BEN S]

Plausible

 

[WaspAir]

Did you have any lead weights in/on the blade for balancing purposes that came loose? I know on model aircraft and I think even on the helicopters you would drill and insert weights into the ends. Maybe a weight came loose and then you struck it?

No, everything is intact on the whole aircraft except for the damaged spot.

 

[Dale Young]

That looks like a bullet did that.

 

[WaspAir]

I finally got a new blade mounted, tracked, and balanced in October, and she's flying again, but there's one spot I won't fly over again!

 

[500e]

Nice to see you flying again any further forward with result of damage
Hate to think of cost even with insurance

 

[WaspAir]

Thanks! No more insight into what happened. My share after the insurance payment was pretty painful. The company also dropped my hull coverage at renewal and doubled my liability premium, which is more evidence that they aren't in business to be fair.

 

[BEN S]

Still say not a bullet.
I know thats not very helpful.
Pic 77 shows damage from an angled or sharp impact with a hard item.
It sounds like your blade was impacted but your wallet was affected.

 

[bryancobb]

Thanks! No more insight into what happened. My share after the insurance payment was pretty painful. The company also dropped my hull coverage at renewal and doubled my liability premium, which is more evidence that they aren't in business to be fair.

Insurance underwriters must make a profit. Owners are not their concern. Owners of light aircraft (especially helicopters) are just one high cost component away from bankruptcy.