Rucker T-67 crash
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Rucker T-67 crash
Article about the crash, looks like the IP was killed.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/p.../APN/506230948
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/p.../APN/506230948
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1 Dunghill Mansions, Putney
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The Firefly's a good-looking aircraft, but the USAF grounded its fleet of 114 T-3 variants in '97 and withdrew them from service for good in '99 after a spate of incidents following the type's introduction in '94.
The T-3's problems were mainly due to the fact that the USAF had decided to re-engine the aircraft with the more powerful Lycoming AEIO-540 (in place of the usual O-235 or O-320), and -- more importantly -- to install an automatic mixture control servo 'off-the-shelf,' without additional testing.
As a result, a number of fuel metering events were experienced at altitude (not something to build confidence in newbie pilots!!). Other rumors at the time suggested the grounding was a political (i.e. NIH) issue.
There are still 50 or so aircraft rotting away at Hondo Airport in Texas. Not a pretty site.
I/C
The T-3's problems were mainly due to the fact that the USAF had decided to re-engine the aircraft with the more powerful Lycoming AEIO-540 (in place of the usual O-235 or O-320), and -- more importantly -- to install an automatic mixture control servo 'off-the-shelf,' without additional testing.
As a result, a number of fuel metering events were experienced at altitude (not something to build confidence in newbie pilots!!). Other rumors at the time suggested the grounding was a political (i.e. NIH) issue.
There are still 50 or so aircraft rotting away at Hondo Airport in Texas. Not a pretty site.
I/C
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Canada
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The Firefly problem could have been easily resolved but the real reason the USAF got it cancelled is really that is wan't made in USA.
Canada used the T67 for the past ten years without any issues. We are switching to the Grob 120 now as part of a new contract, hope that little beast works out as well.
Canada used the T67 for the past ten years without any issues. We are switching to the Grob 120 now as part of a new contract, hope that little beast works out as well.
