Hi All
Looking at the pictures the slot for the retract lever looks very wide.
Mine is just wide enough to let the lever slide easily. It is noticeable
that the gear has collapsed because the lever has twisted and deformed.
Is there a connection?
Regards
Pete
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of David Joyce
Sent: 04 June 2011 08:41
Subject: Re: Europa-List: N127ZP Landing gear failure.
Jeff, Bad luck. Very strange that an over centre locked system can collapse.
My understanding of the Rotax routine for prop strikes is that the gear box
is taken off & professionally examined & if that is OK then you need go no
further.
Regards, David Joyce, G-XSDJ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeffrey J Paris" <jeffrey-j-paris@excite.com>
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2011 10:15 PM
Subject: Europa-List: N127ZP Landing gear failure.
Hi Bud,
We had a major problem today, during a taxi and a stationary run-up our
landing gear collapsed and nuked our prop and pancaked our airplane onto the
tarmac at my local airport. Needless to say I'm feeling a bit devastated,
but I'm very grateful as my Father pointed out ,"that thank god I wasn't
taking off or landing when the gear failed." I had to agree wholeheartedly!
Anyways, any ideas or has anyone else out there suffered the same problem?
During my build I definitely was concerned that the "Gear" handle was doing
3 jobs, deploying/retracting the main gear, flaps and outriggers. My
aircraft has been on the mains since last September and has been moved in
and out of the hanger many times, what gives besides the gear? I have
attached some pictures that may shed some light to your experienced eye.
Looks like a total tear down for the engine? Mod 51 incorporated. The
aircraft is insured, my Father was a successful Insurance Agent and we are
covered pending an inspection from claims.
Accident Information regarding N127ZP Europa Monowheel Classic.
Pilot/Owner: Jeff Paris at controls at time of accident, Phase I of ground
testing.
When: June 3, 2011 approximately 12:30 PM at hanger located SDC perfect VFR
conditions.
Where: Parked on Taxiway on south side of field
How and What: Was test running engine up on taxiway near hanger. Aircraft
was stationary with parking brake engaged. During engine run-up pilot looked
down to close throttle after successful run-up and noticed that the landing
gear handle was bent/bending to the left. Pilot immediately attempted to
shut down engine when the gear collapsed and propeller struck the ground and
stopped engine. At time of preflight inspection and up to accident all
safety latches for the landing gear on the aircraft appeared to be
functioning and engaged as designed. Aircraft dismantled and stored in
owners hanger, pending review of damage.
I guess we all heard the saying there are two types of retractable pilots
one that has had a gear up landing and those that will, I didn't expect to
have a collapse just sitt ing there monitoring the gauges. . . WTF!
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Jeff Paris
--
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.
|