Originally Posted by
Sam Rutherford
Hm.
First one is really odd. Just continue to the nearest (or even a nearby suitable airfield). Planes don't use alternators to stay in the air.
The second one, whilst anything is possible, is it likely that heavy rain stopped the engine? I can go with full immersion stopping an engine (obviously) but 'just' heavy rain? Perhaps something else caused the engine to stop?
Does this sound a bit odd: "retracted the flaps to try to improve the braking action on wet grass". Some presence of mind in the circumstances to make that analysis and decision...?
The soaked paper airfilter was the culprit in accident two Sam.What filters have you got?
The K&N filter is claimed to be the best on the market for the Piper Lance, It is the least restrictive of all filters which translates into improved fuel economy and increased manifold pressure.
Cotton is also supposed to be better than foam.
The flap retraction idea does not make sense to me. Once on the ground the flaps produce more drag than lift.
I always leave them down until I park.
I hope whatever was happening in Thirsk that morning was worth it.