[
]
Had a window of opportunity on Saturday, so out to the flying field I went for my Shrike's maiden flight.
I tuned her up, got the motor nice and warm, then out to the runway.
Sadly, our runway is in pretty bad shape, we've had a lot of really nasty weather, and there's some nice deep ruts and divots.
Anyway, about 3/4 the way down the runway she hits a rut and the front gear twists to the left, stripping the screw that holds the steering arm to the nose gear assembly.
Before you can say Boo, she turns left and into the wire fence protecting the pit area.
Sigh.
Anyway, out to the fence I go to see if there's anything left.
Left wing damaged, left aileron torn off, and left tail severed.
Dang.
Luckily, damage is fairly minor and easily repaired.
All I have left to do is re-apply the monokote and I'll be back at the field.
Very disappointing, but could have been worse.
Might have been controlable if I'd had put on rudders but once at a good clip the nosewheel basically becomes useless. Of course, if I had gotten her into the air, landing with the nosewheel pointing left would have been a major problem. Maybe even fatal.
Can't wait to see her in the air.
TomC