|
|
Hi folks,
Thanks for the concern, but as already mentioned both Tracy's new RV-8, 3 rotor and my old blue bird were fortunate to escape with no damage - unlike many others.
The wind next to the ground was probably a bit slower (it generally is due to friction and boundary layer effects), just a few feet higher could have been 20 MPH (or more) greater. A number (but not all) of the damaged aircraft were tail draggers which presents a higher angle of attack (more lift) and if in addition a high wing (as were our unfortunate neighbors) sitting up the faster air flow, that appeared to tip the balance. The high wing, tail dragger combination seem to suffer the worst. Lighter aircraft also seem to fair worst which is not terrible surprising.
I do believe the line of trees (which had some tops snapped off) lofted the wind sufficiently to at least partially shield the line of aircraft closest to it (Tracy and I were in that line). None in that first line were damaged.
Certainly was more heart pounding to be in that storm than any of my engine outs - at least in those, there was some illusion of control.
Bring good tie-downs (lots of discussion after that about tie-downs believe me) and lock your control surfaces. Fortunately for some strange reason (I guess due to the lousy weather we had been having for days), that day I hooked my seat belt around my control stick (had not done that in years) and reduce the likely hood of control surface damage.
Just for the record, both Tracy and I use titanium cork screw type tie downs - apparently some who used similar ones made of steel (less expensive) and designed for tethering pets failed at the point where the pets chain or leash would be attached to the thither - apparently a stress point.
Despite the unfortunate loss of aircraft, no reports of any serious injuries or deaths - so it could have been worst.
That incident aside, the following days at Sun & Fun were clear and filled with sunshine. Had a great time as always, wish more of you could have been there -- see you next time.
Ed
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Jim Brewer" <alpha@concordnc.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 1:02 PM
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Subject: [FlyRotary] Ed and Tracy
Has anyone spoken to Ed and Tracy and can reconfirm that their planes are undamaged? Rumor at church today is that Ed's aircraft may
be damaged.
Jim Brewer
Albemarle, NC
--
Homepage: http://www.flyrotary.com/
Archive and UnSub: http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/flyrotary/List.html
|
|