ORIGINAL: ScienceisCool
So I was out flying the new 4*40 this weekend and have a question related to a hard landing. It was cold (39) and no wind. Was flying around fine and came in to land. Over the end of the runway and about 5 or 6 feet up cut the throttle to idle it in. It floated a minute and then nose-dived. I was able to bring the nose up so most of the impact was on the mains but also hit the prop.
I'm thinking this was due to either not enough speed or when I cut the throttle to idle I lost airflow from the propwash over the elevator or a combinate of both. The plane is a bit nose-heavy anyway.
Thanks!
John
John,
I believe that your thinking is correct.
Nose heavy models must fly and land faster, just like over-weight models.
The key words are: "It floated a minute and then nose-dived".
In order to keep the air speed up, the nose has to point down during the whole approach until just before flair.
Floating level for a minute means the plane is trading air speed by lift, and that the tail is working hard to keep a high AOA.
The tail just stalled due to high elevator upwards deflection, and the moment created by the wing lift respect to the CG just took over, pitching the model down.
Do not strecht landings until being close enough to the ground, then just flare with style.
(Edited for spelling correction)