Bryan,
Several months ago while still with Europa US our pilot Jim Thursby was
flying back from a show with Michele when they experienced a bump like
someone kicking the bottom of the plane. The first bump certainly caught
there attention but the second one a few moments later was cause for
concern. Landing at the nearest airport was immediate decision. No visible
bird strikes ar any other telltale signs of possible exterior causes. The
cowling was removed with engine inspection not revealing anything. The
carbs were checked with moisture visible in one of the car intakes. They
had just passed through a frontal system with some climatic changes which
apparently caused some icing on one of the carbs. Even with the high temps
that we have in Florida carb icing is not an uncommon occurance. It sounds
like you may have experienced the same (bump) so to speak. We immediately
installed the Sky Drive carb heat system and never had another occurance.
Bob Berube A166
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa@aztec.houxou.com
Subject: Things that go bump in the flight
Today I had good reason to take BYSA out for a two hour trip through rain
and
low cloud on a cold miserable November day. Those of us in the UK will know
that the floods have brought conventional traffic to a stop in this country,
so Europing was the best way to collect essential materials quickly. (all
genuine VMC though).
On one occasion I noticed an obvious bump which sounded like someone kicking
the back of a door. I have experienced the same sound at odd rough moments
before, but I have never found anything wrong with the aeroplane. Has any
one
else experienced it, or should I pre-flight the rear of the plane for the
odd
missing child?
Having said that, the Rotax hummed without a falter despite being challenged
to the limit to ice up. If I had been flying any other plane the carb heat
would have been out most of the way. I now have confidence in not needing
one.
finally! The sight of those floods really surprised me. The River Trent
cannot be seen. Instead there is an enormous wide lake which stretches for
miles. I hope that none of you live there. If you do, you certainly have my
sympathy.
Best Regards .......Bryan Allsop
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