Who knows what all the factors were in this tragic incident. However,
it highlights the issue of turning back to the runway. John Brownlow,
who did my conversion training for the Europa, told/showed me that
you can do a safe 180 turn back from 300 feet (much lower than for
many types). I practised a few times. I think I'll practise a few
more times.
The early news reports suggested that the crash aircraft was between
200 and 300 feet when it turned back.
Willie
On 19 Jun 2007, at 01:45, Tom Friedland wrote:
> A bit of information. Ken was very experienced and an airforce
> c-130 pilot/instructor. He flew his Europa frequently like once a
> week.
>
> He took off West into the prevailing wind and to the West there is
> a large golf course under the approach to the runway. The crash
> site is between the runway and the golf course.
>
> It seems strange. A pilot with his experience and one would think
> if he had an engine failure that he would elect the natural
> emegency site ahead. Can that mean that there was a control
> failure or perhaps a sudden medical cause? We may never know.
>
> Tom
>
>
> On 6/18/07, Fred Klein <fklein@orcasonline.com> wrote:
> Dave and Dale,
>
> I offer my most sincere condolences to you and all the friends and
> family of Ken Hill and his passenger. Since you two appear to have had
> personal relationships with Ken, I hope you will continue to share any
> information on the accident with the Europa community.
>
> Fred
>
> >
> > After reading about the crash, I called my friend Ken Hill who flies
> > out of Livermore. His wife Sandy, who was sobbing, told me it
> was,
> > in fact, her husband Ken who had died in the crash. Ken was a
> > terrific guy, former military pilot with a lot of hours. Another
> > terrible loss.
> > Dale Hetrick
>
> On Sunday, June 17, 2007, at 09:44 AM, David DeFord wrote:
>
> > Mike,
> >
> > Ken had long range tanks, which could have been installed at the
> time
> > of the crash. Here is a description of the tanks, which he posted
> > about a year ago:
> >
> > The tanks are 6 gal. Evinrude Johnson "Duratank" from the local boat
> > dealer. I use quick disconnect fittings from Europa and the pump is
> > Facet 40105 from Aircraft Spruce. The tanks are strapped to the wing
> > tie bar for restraint.
> >
> > I last saw Ken's airplane in his garage about a year ago, not long
> > after his return from a long trip, and the tanks were in the
> airplane
> > at that time. Whether he left them thereat all times, I don't know,
> > nor can I comment on the crash worthiness of the tie-downs he
> used to
> > hold them in place. I am only suggesting that the fire in this
> > accident might not be representative of what is likely to happen to
> > other Europas in a similar crash. (Third-hand accounts I have heard
> > of the accident say that the impact was nearly vertical.)
> >
> > Dave DeFord
> > N135TD
>
> --
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