Small propeller damage

[kentdavidge]

For the first time I crashed my Mini 3 into a tree. This is how my propellers ended up. Should I replace them with the extra ones that come with the drone? If it not highly recommended, then I will save them for another day (hopefully no more crash in the future, but we never know).

 

[Max Headroom]

Yes not worth the risk using damaged props even slightly damaged ones

 

[ryguy80]

Any visible damage to props should always be replaced.

 

[Mrktn]

100 per cent would replace, especially the one with the tip missing. Will affect thrust at the very least.

Sometimes structural integrity is not always visible to the eye. Better to replace than potentially losing the whole drone.

 

[Tower669]

Absolutely replace them all if you've had a crash. Even though maybe only that one shows signs of damage, all of them hit the tree for sure. Responsible pre-flight check would tell you that for safety sake, do it.

 

[Droning on and on...]

At the very least it will disturb the laminar air flow over the blade, reducing efficiency (therefore lift) making the motor work harder. This increases the risk of a motor failure.

While that's unlikely, there is also likely stress fracturing in the blade from the impulse of the hit, creating a weak point that under repeated load may break, leading to a crash.

As others have said, always replace damaged props. "Damage" is anything you can see. Props are cheap.