Plane in a tree, Germany

[hoss183]

Crashed microlight pilot spends night in tree in Germany - BBC News

Despite the description of it being a microlight..
I'm interested as to what the thing that looks like a parachute is? Someone fitted a Cirrus-esque chute to a classic? Or did the guy try to parachute from the tree?

[Makaya]

It's actually Cirrus who took the idea from the microlight community.
BRS (Ballistic Recovery System) has been producing rocket launched parachutes for hang gliders and microlights since the mid 80'.
Aside of that, if you crash in the trees (and survive it) and are trapped onto the canopy without a proper rope, your dorsal (or seat) parachute is the best mean to go down from your ship : not base jumping, but unfolding it to use the lines...

[hoss183]

Sure, i'm well aware of that. But it's not a microlight, its a biplane which i cant quite identify

[Less Hair]

It's called a Platzer Motte, legally a microlight.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platzer_Motte

[sitigeltfel]

Was it a Plane tree?

[hoss183]

Ah ok my apologies to the BBC then. So it does have a ballistic parachute, i see references to previous accidents on that type using them.

[rotornut]

Better than my friend's brother in a microlight in Saskatchewan: R.I.P.

[Denti]

Microlights, or Ultralights as they are called in germany (up to 472,5kg MTOW), have to have a BRS fitted, it is a basic airworthiness requirement for them. Well, at least it is in germany, might be different in different countries as it is a class of aircraft that is not regulated by the EASA, it still is regulated by each country on its own.

[Basil]

I'd thought things like this were microlights. (Must check to see if you need a licence to fly one)

[TURIN]

Basil, that is a flex-wing 'weightshift' control microlight. 3 axis control microlights are available. They are just very lightweight aircraft.

EG. CFM Shadow

[rotornut]

And horribly uncomfortable on a hot summer day.

[PersonFromPorlock]

Was it a Plane tree?

Even as we speak, my minions are seeking you out for that....

[sandos]

I was surprised when a neighbor started flying a atec 122 zephyr, learning that it was an ultralight. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATEC_122_Zephyr_2000

Apparently also fitted with a BRS! Impressive what they can do even with such a low weight...

[grumpyoldgeek]

Not the first time. Who can forget Captain Biggles..
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...wn-dundee.html
BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Pilot: Biggles tale saved me

[Hydromet]

The aircraft was lodged in the tree about 30m (98ft) above ground near Degenfeld and the rescuers had to abandon initial attempts to bring him down as night fell.

Does no one teach cadet journalists not to use inappropriate precision? If it's 'about' 30m it's about 100 feet, unless it's been roughly measured.

[G-CPTN]

Originally Posted by Hydromet

Does no one teach cadet journalists not to use inappropriate precision? If it's 'about' 30m it's about 100 feet, unless it's been roughly measured.

I encountered the same when we 'decimalised'.
Imperial fractional dimensions on drawings were converted to 4 decimal places of millimetres.