And on that note, it gave me chills to read that a professional pilot in the
business of high performance training may have (MAY have) spun in during a
classic emergency situation covered by the very training he provided.  If
true, that does not speak well for the L-IV series, nor does it bode well
for pilots with lesser credentials.

 

DJ

 

Yes, but first we have to discover when and why the engine went bad.  If on takeoff roll, the flight should have been aborted.  There is a small takeoff window where an engine failure can defeat even the best pilots - think of the twin and the problems just after rotation with sudden stoppage in one engine.  If an engine failure occurs on power reduction (after sufficient altitude was gained), well there is where training and finesse can save the day (barring any obstructions, like trees, buildings, granite, humans, etc).

 

Remember that the plane just came out of servicing from some "builder assist" facility.  Hmmmmm, anybody have problems with a plane after service?  Loose fuel line? Plugs in finger tight? Oil sump never filled?  Water in the fuel? Etc?

 

Just food for thought.......

 

Maybe we should wait for more info.