Message-ID: <3B752F08.379DAEC9@regandesigns.com>
Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 08:11:36 -0500
From: Brent Regan <Brent@regandesigns.com>
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To: Lancair List <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: RE: N488SD Accident
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Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com

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I  would like to thank Doug for sharing his story. Although many of us
already knew of the accident it is always better to get the details directly
from the source. I am disappointed that he had some reservations about
giving us his first hand report. This list's most important attribute is the
availability of information that will help us make better and safer
decisions. Doug  did an excellent job of putting the airplane back on the
ground with no injuries! Despite the intense emotions regarding the imminent
damage to his airplane, Doug was able to keep a cool head and obviously made
the right decisions for himself and passengers.

When I received my IV training, my instructor showed me an emergency landing
procedure that I practice often. You fly 2500 AGL at 120 KIAS gear down,
runway heading over the runway. At 1/3 of the way down the runway you kill
the engine, feather the prop and begin a standard rate turn. Manage speed
and decent to hold a 1200 fpm decent. Roll out and land between 1/3 and 1/2
of the way down the runway. Better to land long than land short.

Whenever I do any work on the airplane I test fly it and practice the
emergency procedure. I takeoff and climb orbiting the airport. I conclude
the test flight with a simulated engine out landing. This way, if I do have
an emergency during the test flight I am already in the mind set and
position to land safely.

I know of two IVs that had gear up landings that have went on to win awards
at OSH. I assisted in the repair of one and can say, given Doug's
description of the damage, that leaving the gear up is the better decision.
This planes only damage was the belly, prop and trailing inboard edge of the
flaps. We had everything fixed and the plane back in service in two weeks.

I look forward to seeing Doug's plane first hand and am delighted that his
piloting skills were up to the task.

Regards
Brent Regan


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