Military Trainer
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 500; Flight Crew Type 300
Situational Awareness; Workload; Troubleshooting; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I took off in my antique military trainer heading for a nearby airport's airshow.  I was still climbing at about 3;000 feet and a chunk of the leading edge of the Sensenich wood propeller including the brass leading edge came off in flight resulting in heavy vibration.   I determined that I could reduce power and significantly reduce the vibration while still maintaining a safe flying speed.   I did a 180 degree turn and returned for an uneventful landing at my home Airport.  I have since replaced the propeller with a newly manufactured Sensenich propeller of the same model.There were no injuries or any additional damage to the aircraft.
The wooden blade of an antique trainer's propeller separated in flight; so the pilot reduced power and safely returned to his home airport.