I had the Big Dirty Birdy up a few weeks ago on
it's third flight....only did 2 laps, hadn't even put
the gear up. Saw something come off the plane.
Yelled to my friend...'what was that"? , but he
wasn't watching. About 20 seconds later....I see
something else come off the plane !!!! 10 seconds
later....the engine quits. No problem. I get her
down and stopped about 100 feet from me. As I
approach the plane, I notice the muffler is gone.
That's why the engine quit. ( didn't lock-tite the
muffler flange ). As I get closer, I notice something
hanging down in front of the wing, almost touching
the ground. I can't believe it....but yes it is the
BATTERY PACK hanging out of the plane !!! Thanks
to 3 layers of plain 'ol black electrical tape the big
battery pack didn't fall straight out. The glue on
the bottom tank hatch must have been old, and
dried, I guess. ( plus I had kinda' overstuffed the
compartment with foam ), and it popped out !
I picked her up, and carried her back to the pits
( thankin' my lucky stars ), and when I set the
plane in the rack....I noticed this....see pic.
The only thing still holding the tail on was two
pieces of tri-angle stock, the 3/32" bottom sheeting,
some paint, and the top hatch....held on by 3
screws. Yep, on more roll or loop, and I would be
postin' this in the CRASH FORUM !
