Giant UCD3D crow & pitch instability
Hi, I have a problem with my Giant U-Can-Do 3D. The nature of the problem is such that I can't really get it fixed by T&E.
We have a fairly short runway and somewhat steep approaches are needed to get down there.
So I land my UCD using crow 'mix' (both ailerons fully up, and both flaps fully down, delayed 20deg down elevator).
Flipping the switch on the downwind leg at about 1/3 speed works very well, the plane doesn't pitch in any direction
it just slows down to a crawl...need about 1/3 throttle to keep it flying!
The problem comes on final where the speed gets even lower. The plane then starts pitching up and down,
and its so bad that it is 'unsafe'...and certainly uncomfortable. Feels exactly like flying with CG WAY too far back.
The result of this is that the plane either 'crash' into the runway (or in the high grass before the threshold), OR I have
to make a go-around. Have straightened the landing gear too many times, and broken too many propellers now.
Can't quite wrap my head around this...
--The CG IS right,
--I don't think I'm flying in & out of stall (but maybe I am?)...
The other pilots are amazed that this plane comes in so slow that one
could actually run alongside it...in dead calm wind...and the plane is even a tad heavy at 14.5lb (gasser + strengthened LG area).
--Maybe the crow mix is shifting the center of lift forward on the wing, requiring the CG to be moved forward also in order to maintain balance??
The last attempts at fixing this has resulted in broken prop and some 45deg camber on the main wheels after each 'landing'...
I probably will not fly again until I have a better understanding of whats going on.
I need the crow mix, and I also WANT to use it, even if it wasn't needed.
Any ideas?