Crunch Alert (USA) - hugely serious but (apparently) non-fatal

You can
bet that, before my next flight in my LAK-17a, I'll be giving those parts a
very close look.

Always a good idea, especially on a LAK-17a! I won't mention any
names, but a well known fellow around here had his 17a rudder cable
disengage (factory installed incorrect swedge fitting... oops!),
leaving him rudderless a few years ago. Thank goodness there are no
springs in that design, as he was fairly low so was committed to
landing. Titanium testicles and a cool head combined with skill and
luck for a successful outcome.

Glad the JS1 pilot is OK; I hope he buys his rigger a sixpack and
writes this up someday. I also hope this doesn't screw Jonkers...

-Paul

On Tuesday, 1 May 2012 20:04:55 UTC+1, sisu1a wrote:

Glad the JS1 pilot is OK; I hope he buys his rigger a sixpack and
writes this up someday. I also hope this doesn't screw Jonkers...

-Paul

Notwithstanding the pilot's impressive account of the incident we don't yet know the underlying cause. I too am hoping and, in my case, betting that Jonker Sailplanes will not be seriously affected in the long term (any more than SH was by their spar problem) providing that they respond promptly and appropriately, as I expect they will. Speaking as one who went ahead with a JS1 order yesterday - after hearing about this accident.

John