Narrative:

After cleared for takeoff; we initiated takeoff roll with standard call outs. The ground range lights were dark. Just prior to V1; I heard a whooshing noise; very similar to a propeller feathering. I immediately executed a rejected takeoff; informed ATC; and pulled off the runway. We ran the rejected takeoff checklist; called dispatch/maintenance. Unfortunately at this time; we had zero indication of what actually happened. All engine indications were normal with the park brake set; condition levers max; and power levers in disc. While I was rejecting the takeoff; I did not have time to look at the prop speed. We did not get any caution lights. I was not comfortable with a second attempt; and began a taxi back to the gate. Upon advancing the number 2 power lever to flight idle to taxi; the propeller began to feather. I pulled it back to disc and the propeller speed began to rise to 1130ish RPM; then back to the normal 785 range. This made me believe the propeller was still trying to feather at anything above the disc range. I called again maintenance to see if they wanted me to shut it down; however they agreed to just not advance it out of the disc gate and I could return to gate without a tug. After shut down; I informed the passengers; deplaned; talked with maintenance; swapped planes; and completed the flight.this has been a recurring problem with this aircraft; and maintenance isn't able to recreate the issue with a high powered run-up. I highly suggest an operational check flight; with many takeoffs to make sure the problem is fixed. I gave them as much information as possible such as possible auto-feather problems; or even possible torque gauge issues (in link with auto feather). I hope this gets rectified before the plane departs with passengers aboard.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Bombardier DHC-8 flight crew reported they rejected their takeoff due to an unusual noise coming from the engines.

Narrative: After cleared for takeoff; we initiated takeoff roll with standard call outs. The ground range lights were dark. Just prior to V1; I heard a whooshing noise; very similar to a propeller feathering. I immediately executed a rejected takeoff; informed ATC; and pulled off the runway. We ran the rejected takeoff checklist; called dispatch/maintenance. Unfortunately at this time; we had zero indication of what actually happened. All engine indications were normal with the park brake set; condition levers max; and power levers in disc. While I was rejecting the takeoff; I did not have time to look at the prop speed. We did not get any caution lights. I was not comfortable with a second attempt; and began a taxi back to the gate. Upon advancing the number 2 power lever to flight idle to taxi; the propeller began to feather. I pulled it back to disc and the propeller speed began to rise to 1130ish RPM; then back to the normal 785 range. This made me believe the propeller was still trying to feather at anything above the disc range. I called again maintenance to see if they wanted me to shut it down; however they agreed to just not advance it out of the disc gate and I could return to gate without a tug. After shut down; I informed the passengers; deplaned; talked with maintenance; swapped planes; and completed the flight.This has been a recurring problem with this aircraft; and maintenance isn't able to recreate the issue with a high powered run-up. I highly suggest an operational check flight; with many takeoffs to make sure the problem is fixed. I gave them as much information as possible such as possible auto-feather problems; or even possible torque gauge issues (in link with auto feather). I hope this gets rectified before the plane departs with passengers aboard.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.