RCU Forums - View Single Post - Great Planes Escapade .40 ARF
View Single Post
Old 04-09-2009 | 07:23 PM
  #376  
LILDex
Junior Member
My Feedback: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Chicopee , MA
Default RE: Great Planes Escapade .40 ARF

I just got my first gas plane, just happened to be an Escapade. I put a super tiger .40 (already broken in by a friend) in it. The maiden flight went awesome... on my second flight I decided to push the envelope a little bit and did some steeper dives. I experienced what, after reading your post, I realized was elevator flutter (a buzzing sound). At the time I thought it was some sort of engine or prop malfunction. Coming into my second dive I lost all elevator control and went into the ground at a 45 degree angle. Upon inspecting the wreckage I realized that not only had half of my hinges come out, but my control horn had completely broken in half. I believe the engine is salvageable, but the plane itself is a total loss. I really wish I had read your post prior to my second flight! For those of you buying a Great Planes Escapade, you NEED to somehow reinforce your elevator if you plan on any high speed maneuvers. Thank you for your post... I hope others may read this before its too late - Steve