A Model Flipover

mkjprice · #1 11-10-2011, 11:17 AM

This may have been addressed before, but I was not able to find it in a brief search. Some have noted that the A model aircraft may flip over problem. If an A model aircraft were to be used primarily on paved strips, with little to none (likely none) off airport work, does this problem go away?

I was just checking on this, as I was reasind through Matt Drahll's website and read about his mishap. Although his plane is not an A model, it made me think about this.

I am just curious as, my wife plans to order (with my help of course) my preview plans as a christmas present. Additionally, I plan on building and 8 and I like the idea of the wider leg room arrangement in the 8A. I plan on useing the new gear saver device that I found on this site, as a good piece of mind. Just checking with all of you more experienced and knowlegeble gents on here.

Thanks in advance!

RVbySDI · #2 11-10-2011, 11:32 AM

"A" model issues are not just limited to grass. Grass really is not the real cause of problems at all.

There are multiple threads discussing the A model issues. Here is one I just posted just the other day concerning my wheel pant scraping I discovered this past weekend. Definitely was due to scraping asphalt and not grass. That was an excerpt from a post from the Anti Splat Nose Job a review thread.

Search the forum and you will find much discussion on this topic. There was a nose gear failure a year or so ago that was well documented on this forum when an "A" model gear failed while taxiing on a paved runway. Grass is not the problem. The flexing of the gear leg that allows the yoke to come into contact with the ground is the problem.

Bavafa · #3 11-10-2011, 12:14 PM

I am get flamed for saying this, but this question is like asking ?could a RV crash? which the answer is of course if you don?t play by the rules.

The A models obviously are less forgiving on an unimproved runway such as grass or runways that may have potholes in them.
This is by any means not any different than a tail dragger that is less forgiving in a crosswind landing or taxing with limited view.

But in my view, specially with all the improvements whether from VANs or other aftermarket which has decreased the odds for flip over. There are large number of Nose draggers that have been operation without any issues, it only requires a bit more caution specially on unimproved runways.

My 0.02 cents I guess.

L.Adamson · #4 11-10-2011, 12:15 PM

I have not seen A models flipping over on paved runways. I have seen bent gear legs on A models on paved runways. The new Anti Splat device would certainly seem to remedy that problem, as all legs bend backwards and not upwards. The reasons why, can be seen on the 2nd Anti Splat video. I'd say that the two causes of gear legs bending on paved runways, are hitting the nose wheel first, or hitting a raised edge. I suppose a 3rd method is litterly splatting it onto the runway, by falling too high out of a flare. I just don't know if any RV's have ruined their gear this way.

If you bounce in an A model on landing, then immediately power out of it. Even if it's just a few feet high. And that's the first bounce. Don't wait for a second or third. I'm saying this through personal experience. And BTW, mine didn't flip. The momentum was slow, and no feeling of going over. I wish I had the anti-splat device. The fork was the older lower model...too.

L.Adamson

L.Adamson · #5 11-10-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bavafa

There are large number of Nose draggers that have been operation without any issues, it only requires a bit more caution specially on unimproved runways.

You're correct. I've been around RV nosedraggers for 17 years. Most have not flipped, or bent the gear...........as there are thousands of them flying.

L.Adamson

rocketbob · #6 11-10-2011, 12:36 PM

I know of two that flipped on pavement, one twice. Personally know the owners of both.

L.Adamson · #7 11-10-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketbob

I know of two that flipped on pavement, one twice. Personally know the owners of both.

Okay...............I just have to know why. Especially, the one that flipped twice.

kevinh · #8 11-10-2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.Adamson

Especially, the one that flipped twice.

The second time was for good measure.

( sorry couldn't resist )

jbagley · #9 11-10-2011, 01:28 PM

Maybe i'm the exception?

My rv6a is a lightweight; O320 powered with a wood prop. It's very light on the nose and quite easy to hold the front wheel off the ground until very slow (15mph?). I believe that my airplane is less susceptible than an rv6a with a very heavy nose (forward CG) configuration.

I guess my point is that not all RV A model's are created equal.

my $0.02

L.Adamson · #10 11-10-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbagley

Maybe i'm the exception?

My rv6a is a lightweight; O320 powered with a wood prop. It's very light on the nose and quite easy to hold the front wheel off the ground until very slow (15mph?). I believe that my airplane is less susceptible than an rv6a with a very heavy nose (forward CG) configuration.

I guess my point is that not all RV A model's are created equal.

my $0.02

Possibly. But even with an 0360 & constant speed prop, you can move fixed items behind the CG & main wheels; as well as pilot,passenger and cargo to lighten the load that the nose gear sees. Even though mine has an 0360 & C/S prop, two people standing on the steps at the same time, would slam the tail to the ground.

L.Adamson