On Mon, 22 Nov 2004 09:27:29 +0100, Manuel
wrote:

Unfortunately accidents do happen, but it was the first time I had
somewhat to do with it. The airplane I usually fly with, a Piper Arrow
from the local flight school and FBO, crashed on landing during a
cross-country flight to Florence (Italy). The plane suddenly banked to
the left 10 feet over the runway, then struck the airport fence.

snip
This event really struck me, you never think this can happen to you, or
at your FBO.

Sorry if that's not really a constructive post, I just had to tell
someone...

First, I'm glad to hear every one is going to make it.

Actually I think the post is quite appropriate from a number of
angles.

Once things deviate from normal they can go to Hell unbelievably fast.

The flight is never over until you are parked.

I've seen planes depart from controlled flight and that slippery slope
is not only slippery and steep it gets steeper by the moment.

The points being, what ever the reason for the departure from
controlled flight it can happen at any time and without warning.
I've had the Deb stall in level flight at 5500 feet on a beautiful
clear day. I've seen a 172 on final get a bit slow, over correct
with power, and then turn it into a lawn dart. Fortunately no one was
even hurt but the plane was pretty much totaled. The wings even had
shoulders. I saw a Beech Mousekateer land with a slight down wind and
start to porpoise. Three times and out. He busted the nose gear off
out on the main runway right in front of a whole crowd of parents
waiting for their kids to go on "Young Eagles" rides. There sat that
poor old Musketeer with it's tail feathers sticking up in the air.

Never get complacent or relax your guard until the plane is parked.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

-Manuel
PPL(A) SEP


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