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On Nov 10th my 235/320 (N32KT) took off for the
first time with a Lancair test pilot at the controls. The engine quit at
approx 300' agl and the acft was deadsticked onto a paved road damaging the
right brake resulting in a left drift. The acft struck the curb causing a prop
strike, damage to all three gear and some minor skin damage. The pilot did
a superb job!! His skill with the acft and pre-thought-out actions saved
the acft and potential loss of life.
I have been flying for over 30 yrs, and my current
job is to flight test A300's and B727's when they come out of heavy maintenance
or are experiencing operational problems. I have a Military Fighter
background as well. One of the best decisions I have ever made was to put
my ego aside and hire someone else to make the first flight. What turned
out to be a minor incident would have been much different, I believe, if it had
been me doing the flying.
I realize that this advice is redundant. I
only put it here for re-emphasis, not to stir up one of those famous LML
debates!
Everyone can make their own decision. I'm
glad I made the one I did.
Best of luck and a Happy Thanksgiving to
all,
Chuck Lax
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