N507RV "Sweet Escape" Engine Out

luv2flypilot · #1 10-01-2015, 11:14 AM

I have not been on here a lot lately so have lost contact with a lot of great people I have met and spoke with along my journey of building N507RV. I am sad to say "Sweet Escape" suffered a loss of engine Sunday 9/20 while I was flying a local flight. I am very thankful to report me and my girlfriend walked away from the incident with minor scratches. I feel the 5 point Crow harnesses and the fact that I had a sliding canopy contributed a lot to our outcome. Here is the preliminary NTSB report that explains what I experienced: http://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.av...21X31115&key=1

The NTSB is still in the process of investigating the reason for what I believe was ignition failure based on what happened. My LASAR magnetos were just recently rebuilt 6 months ago due to experiencing a gradual little rougher than normal engine run ups. The mags have appeared to be running strong for the last 20 hours or so of flight the last 6 months. I am not sure what the outcome is going to be with my insurance company as there is quite a bit of damage to the vertical stabilizer, left wing, fuselage, and canopy. I may end up having to rebuild another aircraft or find a project that someone has ready for an engine, panel, and paint to finish up since my time is very limited to involve anther 2,400 hours plus of build time. Again, I am very happy to walk away from the incident and happy the RV air frame is as strong as it was. I will always have many memories in this aircraft and will always treasure the many photos I have on my walls being sponsored and supported by GoPro.

Mike H · #2 10-01-2015, 11:24 AM

Sorry to see this. Glad no one was hurt. You built the first one, you can build another.

RVDan · #3 10-01-2015, 11:25 AM

Sad to see such a beautiful ship end up this way. I sure am glad you 2 were OK. Clearly good harnesses helped keep you safe. How fast were you going when it nosed over? I was wondering a couple of other things. Did the front windshield and canopy break out on their own or did you do that to get out?

Just looking for a data point. Did you have the antisplat device on the nose strut?

Time to build another.

luv2flypilot · #4 10-01-2015, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVDan

Sad to see such a beautiful ship end up this way. I sure am glad you 2 were OK. Clearly good harnesses helped keep you safe. How fast were you going when it nosed over? I was wondering a couple of other things. Did the front windshield and canopy break out on their own or did you do that to get out?

Just looking for a data point. Did you have the antisplat device on the nose strut?

Dan, I was able to slow the plan down to about 25-30 mph while on the rear gear only holding off the front gear until it finally came down. The field was very muddy and was doing all I could to keep the airplane straight using rudder control to prevent cartwheeling as we were fish tailing back and forth in the mud. It ended up being an alfalfa field they sock every night, however from the air looked like short crops such as strawberries. My front nose wheel was updated per the SB 07-11-09 nose gear service bulletin from Van's. The field was so muddy, unfortunately a tip over was pretty much inevitable. The canopy cracked on the top where it hit during the front tip over. I am grateful I had a sliding canopy as the frame of the slider served as a roll bar to protect me and my girlfriend. The tip up may have been a different story since there is no support around the plexiglass canopy. We were trapped under the airplane, however once I determined we still being supported by the tail, I was able to kick out the sides of the canopy and escape.

Mike S · #5 10-01-2015, 12:21 PM

Ouch---------------but, planes are replaceable----------people are not.

Hope your insurance will fix it, it sure was a beautiful plane--------the photos dont do it justice.

Glad you are safe.

Mike

rvbuilder2002 · #6 10-01-2015, 12:40 PM

Glad to hear you two were ok Bryon.

I can tell you from experience based on viewing your photos, the airplane is very repairable. Less visible damage than most...

luv2flypilot · #7 10-01-2015, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002

Glad to hear you two were ok Bryon.

I can tell you from experience based on viewing your photos, the airplane is very repairable. Less visible damage than most...

I hope so. I have never had experience rebuilding a damaged aircraft and determining what is required to replace to insure it is as strong as when I first built her as new.

My insurance company is accepting offers if anyone is interested. I don't have the time with my full time job of running my company for the hours that would be involved and since they claim they will be paying labor it maybe my best scenario. PM me if interested in seeing more photos my insurance company took and are using to obtain estimate quotes.

krw5927 · #8 10-01-2015, 01:08 PM

Bryon, so glad you and your GF walked away relatively unscathed.

luv2flypilot · #9 10-01-2015, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S

Ouch---------------but, planes are replaceable----------people are not.

Hope your insurance will fix it, it sure was a beautiful plane--------the photos dont do it justice.

Glad you are safe.

Mike

Thanks Mike. We are very thankful and blessed we walked away.

wirejock · #10 10-01-2015, 01:48 PM

First and most important, you two are ok.
Second, nice job of taking care of the first.
I'm sure you will fix her up good as new.