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swater6
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 52
Location: Minnesota-KMIC/KANE
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 Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:36 am Post subject: Really bad news....S&F crash |
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I don't want to be the one that starts this thread but I just saw this on another board and it will be posted here sooner or later.
I'm sick to my stomach because this may be the factory demonstrator. Somehow they know it's a 601 but I can't find any news that lists the tail number. It's red and white.... Prayers for the lost pilot. Very sad.
Here are a few links to news suggesting witness stated engine problems.
http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?s=rss&storyid=77755
http://www.tbo.com/video/xml/MGBN8NVMREF.html
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_________________
601 XL kit N596SW reserved
Tail, control surfaces and both wings complete. Now working on fuselage
www.scottwaters.com |
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Tim Juhl
Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Posts: 488
Location: "Thumb" of Michigan
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| Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:08 am Post subject: Re: Really bad news....S&F crash |
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It gets worse.... here are some eyewitness accounts.
http://www.theledger.com/article/20080408/NEWS/804080399/1137/REPORTER
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_________________
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CFII
Champ L16A flying
Zodiac XL - Jabiru 3300A
Almost done! It'll fly in spring! |
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swater6
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 52
Location: Minnesota-KMIC/KANE
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| Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 8:13 am Post subject: Re: Really bad news....S&F crash |
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I found the N number on the FAA accident site. It is a CAW made in 2005 and registered in November 2007.
Hopefully we can just wait for news instead of the same wild speculation we had before. Witness reports are conflicting.......
| | - The Matronics Zenith-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Zenith-List |
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_________________
601 XL kit N596SW reserved
Tail, control surfaces and both wings complete. Now working on fuselage
www.scottwaters.com |
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swater6
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 52
Location: Minnesota-KMIC/KANE
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Tim Juhl
Joined: 21 Mar 2006
Posts: 488
Location: "Thumb" of Michigan
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| Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:32 am Post subject: Re: Really bad news....S&F crash |
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Sabrina and fellow builders,
It's possible the N numbers were vinyl and the new owner preferred the look of the 3 inch numbers over the 12 inch.
From what I can see by studying the picture of the aircraft being recovered, both wings are still associated with the main wreckage with the section of the spar where the fuel tanks rest exposed (tanks probably tore away). The rudder and horizontal tail are absent along with the main gear. I can't tell if the engine or anything FWF is still attached but it would not be unusual for it to break free in such an extreme impact.
We will have to wait and hear what the investigators have to say when they eventually publish their findings unless someone "in the know" releases some info beforehand.
From my experience in Search and Rescue, I can tell you that in most cases where a plane went "straight in" with little damage to nearby foliage and the like it was a "Stall-spin" accident. It would be premature to assume that such is the case in this instance but being human, we are all impatient for answers. For example, the mention of a "heart attack" in the news report was made by someone with less knowledge of the accident than those of us who monitor this list.
I think what bothers all of us the most is that we just don't know for sure whether there is a structural issue with the aircraft or if the problems lies with how we fly it. The thought that you could be flying along, doing everything right and have a wing fail would scare anyone. On the other hand, if it is an issue with pilots making abrupt forward elevator movements then we can deal with that (training and control stops.) Gig's story of the model airplane is a perfect example of the forces involved.
As I am still building my XL events such as the recent crash damp my enthusiasm somewhat, but I am not ready to give up yet. That said, I do have one request of Chris Heintz and Zenith aircraft which I can sum up as "Details." They published pictures of the most recent structural tests but provided no specific information on the results. Was the wing tested to -3 or to - 6 like it says on my plans. They talk about an extensive flight test program... I would like to know the details of such tests. For example - was the test aircraft exposed to abrupt full control movements at maneuvering speed without experiencing damage? The best way to quell wild speculation is to replace it with facts, not just assurances.
Pardon me for being so windy...
Tim Juhl
Do not archive
| | - The Matronics Zenith-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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_________________
______________
CFII
Champ L16A flying
Zodiac XL - Jabiru 3300A
Almost done! It'll fly in spring! |
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