What type of metallurgical failure does Item 2 represent in the illustration? see Illustration GT-0038 Illustration GT-0038: the U.S. Coast Guard has not released this illustration.

Correct Answer: Option B — Axial cracking.

Axial cracking runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade. This failure is frequently caused by thermal fatigue or stress-rupture mechanisms resulting from extreme temperature fluctuations during rapid start-stop cycles. Such cracks compromise structural integrity and must be identified during borescope inspections to prevent secondary damage.