David-aviator
Well Known Member
Yes, its true, N730WL was damaged Thursday afternoon during a test flight and subsequent emergency landing. Pilot, Bud Warren and I were taking the 10 for a flight around the airport to check out a high operating temperature problem. We took off after a long taxi and climbed normally, however the engine temperature kept climbing even after leveling off. For unknown reasons the engine seemed to quit making power. Bud skillfully banked back toward the runways. Not a good situation. A discussion with Bud today leads me to believe that the high engine temperature may have exceeded an operating parameter in the ECM and the engine reverted to a low power setting. This has yet to be confirmed but obviously needs to be addressed if this is indeed the problem.
Bud managed to get the airplane back to the airport sacrificing altitude and speed without stalling. Incredible job by Bud to get us back to the runway. However, once over the runway, we were too slow and the plane mushed onto the runway rather hard. We bounced and skidded to a stop on the collapsed main gear. Fortunately, there was no fire and Bud and I were able to get out of the 10 without any injuries, Thank God.
Unfortunately, there was considerable damage to the main landing gear and the prop was destroyed. The steps kept the bottom of the fuselage off the runway while we skidded, so no noticeable damage to the fuselage skin or tail. The wings didn't hit the ground but there is some minor damage from the gear folding up. I haven't looked at the landing gear mounts yet or the spar. So I don't know at this ten seconds the full extent of the damage.
This project has been five years in the making and this is a tough pill for me to swallow. I really appreciate the concerns voiced. Will try and keep you posted on any new developments or findings.
Good flying getting the airplane as far as you did...mighty glad both pilots walked away from it.
I know the devastating feeling you have right now. In October 2003, I wrecked my airplane when Subby #1 quit. What a mess!
Thanks on behalf of all experimental aviators for your efforts in trying to get the GM motor to work. Seems like inadequate cooling is the greatest challenge one faces. The answer probably lies in a clean sheet and starting from the beginning. Trying to get a liquid cooling system to work within a former air cooled environment just doesn't do it. There is one guy in Europe who has moved the rads to the wings and he has had great success.