Landing in a tree...video
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 332
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From: Downwind
Preliminary report here.
I'm saying nothing (this time) 
According to the pilot’s statement and an on-board video, the engine experienced a partial loss of power after takeoff. While executing a crosswind turn, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot maneuvered to execute a forced landing into trees.
Last edited by Ryan5252; 17th August 2013 at 09:39.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 617
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From: Inside the roster matrix
Wow! So many other options.
There isn't a problem using a long runway for a bit of fun, but always have an 'out' and be ready to convert speed to height or the right field.
There were two great fields - one straight ahead and one off to the 10 o'clock.
If you really had to, turn left and land behind the black car traveling left to right - the road / highway was clear.
Clearly not the right mind-set and nothing was planned.
There isn't a problem using a long runway for a bit of fun, but always have an 'out' and be ready to convert speed to height or the right field.
There were two great fields - one straight ahead and one off to the 10 o'clock.
If you really had to, turn left and land behind the black car traveling left to right - the road / highway was clear.
Clearly not the right mind-set and nothing was planned.
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 117
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From: hong kong
Natural selection dropped the ball there.
There were options available and there would have been many more with a bit more altitude. It takes a minute to formulate a plan for an unfamiliar runway. If flying from home base there should be plenty of preplanned options.
Glad they made it out in one piece.
There were options available and there would have been many more with a bit more altitude. It takes a minute to formulate a plan for an unfamiliar runway. If flying from home base there should be plenty of preplanned options.
Glad they made it out in one piece.
Last edited by subsonicsubic; 18th August 2013 at 04:52. Reason: grammar :(
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 5
From: The Wild West (UK)
Actually found it difficult to follow what was happening here - everything seemed to happen much faster than I would expect (yes, I know everybody says that!).
The wide angle on the camera makes it very difficult to judge altitude/speed. I suspect that when the engine stopped they were much lower and had fewer options than it first appears. Silly or not, nice to know they made it.
The wide angle on the camera makes it very difficult to judge altitude/speed. I suspect that when the engine stopped they were much lower and had fewer options than it first appears. Silly or not, nice to know they made it.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 197
Likes: 13
From: ??-ask crewing
It looks like airspeed is dropping, with the nose coming up and sinking, as he crosses the upwind threshold. I think the sharp turn to line up with the road would have risked a spin, with the next stop, the cemetery - at least he kept it flying. With the benefit of hindsight, the field to the left looks better than turning right (although it still looks full of problems) but he could have done much worse.
Joined: May 2007
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From: Banished (twice) to the pointless forest
The aircraft's red beacon is not on until he is lining up, he's not making use of the entire runway, although it is very long in terms of his needs, and I suppose we give him the benefit of the doubt on pre take off run up having been edited out.
But, despite all the options, I don't think he saw the tree until he was in it, he's looking back at the airfield, off to his right, most of the time.
Can anyone tell me what the legal position is with the FAA and fitting of a camera to the outside of such an aircraft? I'm sure there is a difference between having a licensed aircraft engineer doing it, and the pilot just getting a few cable ties and hoping for the best. This has the look of a kit build, if so, is there not some inspection required if you deviate from the plans?
But, despite all the options, I don't think he saw the tree until he was in it, he's looking back at the airfield, off to his right, most of the time.
Can anyone tell me what the legal position is with the FAA and fitting of a camera to the outside of such an aircraft? I'm sure there is a difference between having a licensed aircraft engineer doing it, and the pilot just getting a few cable ties and hoping for the best. This has the look of a kit build, if so, is there not some inspection required if you deviate from the plans?
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,804
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nah its fine over there.
You can fit a motor prop and wings to a bed and if you have the balls go an fly it as an experimental.
Maybe he had been reading PPrune and decided he like the point of view biggles had when he used the second runway at Dundee.
You can fit a motor prop and wings to a bed and if you have the balls go an fly it as an experimental.
Maybe he had been reading PPrune and decided he like the point of view biggles had when he used the second runway at Dundee.
