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I can't dispute the results shown in the video, but
I gotta wonder. I understand that a steep bank with low airspeed results
in a high turn rate, i.e. completes the turn in the least amount of
time, but it leaves no margin for error. In a real engine out
situation, high pucker factor, probably distractions, maybe some
turbulence, lots of adrenaline, is a 60 degree bank with the stick
pulled back so that you're getting some stall buffeting really a good
idea? I don't think so; especially not in a Lancair, and probably not
in several other types of aircraft. A few years ago I watched the pilot of
a Mooney 231 attempt to make a steeply banked turn to a runway after loss of
power at low altitude. (Yes, it turned out to be fuel exhaustion.)
He was trying to turn a total of 120 - 135 degrees. He had turned about 90
degrees when the right wing and nose dropped noticeably; a stall-spin
entry. He stopped the rotation immediately with opposite rudder
but was too low to fully recover. The impact was fatal. I think
an off airport landing with the aircraft under control would always be better
than an uncontrolled descent.
Yes, I realize an AOA would help tremendously in
this situation, assuming the pilot isn't completely paniced and is capable of
flying the AOA accurately. Training and practice sounds like a good
idea.
Tom Gourley
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