Jim Wright
Well Known Member
Has anyone on the Forum experienced an accident or knows of someone who has where the aircraft is upside down and the pilot is trapped in the cockpit? In such circumstances what would be your best means of escape?
Has anyone on the Forum experienced an accident or knows of someone who has where the aircraft is upside down and the pilot is trapped in the cockpit? In such circumstances what would be your best means of escape?
Yes, I made an off airport forced landing and ended up trapped under my Rocket. You can see some pictures on my website under the heading ACCIDENT.
Scary, huh?!
Matt
www.docthrock.com
Matt, what caused the engine failure?
Glad to see you on here after that!
Best,
Yes, I made an off airport forced landing and ended up trapped under my Rocket. Soon as the wheels hit mud, they dug in, we nosed over, skidded on the lower cowl, and then sorta half cartwheeled over one wingtip, *** over tea kettle. Came down backwards, slightly sideways and hard enough to fold the VS and crunch down the turtledeck about 6 inches.
There was no plexiglass left to kick out. I would have needed a can opener to get out. The gib crawled right out, unscathed. Fortunately, I wasn't too far from civilization, and about 8 emergency workers lifted a wing enough to let me out (some 20 or more minutes later). I had to yell at them NOT to use the jaws of life.
Besides the GIB getting out, it was also fortunate that MY cell phone had a charged battery, AND we could get a signal. Also the ELT worked, even though the antenna was stuck in the mud. And a nice lady saw us before our landing and had already called 911.
I was actually stuck laterally between my seat back and the windshield bow, not vertically between the canopy rails and the ground. I could ALMOST get out. Had there been a fire, I would have tried harder and left some skin behind.
You can see some pictures on my website under the heading ACCIDENT.
Scary, huh?!
Matt
www.docthrock.com
Doc,
ONe can easily be unable to move, legs pinned or injured, one arm free perhaps. I appreciate those who have commented that there are a LOT of scenarios where you just can't get out yourself, so communication becomes vital.
A PLB on your vest, air horn, cellphone, light/flares all come to mind.
Hey Larry, you sure are busted up. Sorry to hear that story.
Hope things are healing and you can fly again soon.