Regional Express Airlines (REX) confirmed its fleet would continue flying, including in and out of Griffith Airport, after a propeller dislodged from a SAAB 340 while journeying from Albury to Sydney. 

One Riverina aircraft expert said he had never heard of a plane losing a propeller but added the flight was actually safer without it. 

Wagga City Aero Club flying captain John Smith said on a normal day, engine failure would be hardly worth mentioning around the table at tea time.

“[A propeller falling mid-flight is] not good at all… but it’s very, very rare,” Mr Smith said. “It was certainly no danger to any passengers.”

Mr Smith said when an engine failed and the propeller became stationary it created drag, which was more of a problem for pilots. 

He said despite the media attention and increased fear of flight, REX pilots, engineers and mechanics conducted very strict checks of all their aircraft before take-off.  

“Some things just can’t be seen,” Mr Smith said.