The retraction lever should be taking no load when the u/c is extended but
merely hold the mechanism in the over centre position. From the pictures it
would seem that a great load has been put on the retraction lever indicating
that the mechanism was not in the over centre position when the lever was in
the down and locked detent. This is something that should be carefully
checked during set up and during servicing checks. I am very sorry for Jeff
as it looks a lovely aircraft but it should be quite easy to repair.
Remember to send me some pictures for the Europa Flyer when she is flying
again
Regards
Tony
-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Carpenter
Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2011 1:36 AM
Subject: Re: Europa-List: N127ZP Landing gear failure.
Had same event when taxing my plane. I did not have mod 51. There is still
the issue of the gear needing to be over center. I am sure someone else can
describe it better than I. My rotax did not have to be torn down but the
prop blades had to be replaced and the tunnel repaired. Mine looked about
like yours if that is any consolation. I hoisted it up by the engine while
doing the underneath repair.
Sent from my iPad
On Jun 3, 2011, at 2:15 PM, "Jeffrey J Paris" <jeffrey-j-paris@excite.com>
wrote:
> 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
>
>
> <IMG_2504.jpg>
> <IMG_2505.jpg>
> <IMG_2506.jpg>
> <IMG_2508.jpg>
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