I was going to solo two weeks ago but had to leave the field for a meeting. Last weekend the weather was bad, yeah,yeah. Anyway, was too cold yesterday, but I loaded up today and went. The wind was gusting to about 15 mph but I was having withdrawls. I got to the field and the final 2 people were leaving. I was hoping to buddy box with someone to aide my psyche since I hadn't buddied in two weeks, however, I decided to go it alone.

Things started excellent three different takeoff/flight/landing sequences of about 15 minutes apiece. I then went for number four. Then it happend, my first dead stick!!! I had only been up for about 5 minutes. Don't know what happened. Engine just quit. Anyway, my postion and speed were pretty good (I was headed toward the runway). Here is the problem. The plane got to me on the runway with WAY TOO MUCH SPEED. I don't know what I did, if I dropped altitude too fast or what. Anyway, I went through the runway and into a nearby fence. The damage isn't too bad. I thought I was doing good to get it on the ground in one piece, but the fence had to jump out there!

Have a question,

1. Have any suggestion as to what makes an OS .40 just shut off like that after three previous successful flights? I have no idea. The glow plug is only a month old and the motor has almost a gallon of fuel through it with no problems.

2. Any advice on those deadstick landings to cut the speed down so you don't run through the runway. (ours is grass by the way) So you can imagine when that plane got to me it was hauling!!

3. The leading edge sheeting has a small pucture in it. Can I just cover this with packing tape? It doesn't seem as if any of the ribs or spars are damaged. It would be ugly but doesn't seem to be bad enough to tear apart.

Thanks for any advice